Island Peak Climbing

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
A representative from HSA will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal gate of Tribhuvan International Airport, holding a sign with your name. They will escort you to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
You will visit the major world heritage sites and beautiful attractions around the valley throughout today. Some of these might be:

• Swayambhunath Temple:

Also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, this is one of the oldest heritage sites of Nepal. From the Temple viewpoint at the top, you can have a full-extent view of the Nepalese capital.

• Patan Durbar Squares:

Patan Darbar Square resembles the rich history, art, and culture of the Kathmandu Valley.

• Pashupatinath Temple:

The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Asia with over 500 small and big shrines, Lingams, and temples in the temple complex.

• Boudhanath Stupa:

The largest stupa and center of Tibetan Buddhism in the Kathmandu valley. One of the best places to relax and take a hint of Buddhist culture in Kathmandu.
After the Sightseeing, we will drive you back to the hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast

Day 03: Morning flight to Lukla (2,804 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) 3– 4 hours.
An early morning start 35 minutes scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,804 m) from Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will introduce the porters before we begin the 3-hour trek to Phakding (2,610 m). After landing there will be time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. We then begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2,713 m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m), Phakding is just a short walk. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) 4– 5 hours.
We begin the 5 hours trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05: Namche Bazaar acclimatization day.
A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche  (3,860 m) for 4 -5 hours.
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. After 5 hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed.Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche(4,350 m) 5- 6 hours.
From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses the suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues for six hours, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche, with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Trek to Chukung (4,710 m) 3 -4 hours.
From here we have four hours of walking to Chhukung, as it is very important to adjust to the high altitude to climb Island Peak. Our guide will provide important information about climbing Island Peak and the next day’s activities. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Island peak base camp (5,240 m)3 – 4 hours.
Today is another short trek of 4 hours to the Island Peak base camp. Starting today, accommodations will be in tented camps for the next two days, with food prepared by our professional chef. Overnight at tented camp.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Rest and Acclimatization Day.
We will spend a day here in adjusting to the thinning of the air. We’ll also make a short trek around the base camp to prepare us for the 6,000 m adventure tomorrow morning. Overnight at tented camp.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11: Summit to Island peak (6,165 m) and return to Chhukung (4,750 m)- 8 to 10 hrs.
Today is our main adventure day. Weather permitting, we’ll start early in the morning for a climb up the Island Peak (6,187 m). After Camp 1, we ascend through a gully and traverse to the right. After making our way up a wide stone field, we cross the ridge to the glacier and crevasses. After a safe trip to the top, we make our way back down the same day and return to Chhukung. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m)5 – 6 hours.
Today we follow the same route back down to Tengboche (3,860 m). Passing through Dingboche, Pangboche, and Diboche, the day’s trek will take six hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) via Khumjung (3,780 m) 4 -5 hrs.
Leaving the mountains behind, our descent takes us from Tengboche Monastery to the town of Namche Bazaar (3,441 m). We arrive back at Namche Bazaar in the afternoon, a 5 hours walk. We’ll enjoy an evening of talking with fellow trekkers over a nice meal. Overnight at guesthous.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) 4 -5 hours.
Finally, we make the 5-hour return to Lukla (2,804 m), where the trek began. We’ll take time to reflect on the trek as a group, and on the personal achievements of all who took part. Overnight at guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15: Morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla (30 – 45min)
Thirty-five-minute flight back to Kathmandu, you’ll enjoy a last glimpse of the mountains you have recently climbed. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu.
Included Meal: Breakfast

Day 16: Departure Day.
Our driver will pick you up and take you to Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu International Airport) for your flight departure from Nepal.
Included Meal: Breakfast

Price Included

• Airport  pick up & drop  by private vehicle.
• Three star category hotel accommodation on Twin sharing basis in Kathmandu including Breakfast.
• City tour in Kathmandu by private  vehicle.
• Teahouse/Tent accommodation on twin sharing basis including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek. Ocasionally dormitory room at guesthouse at Island Peak Base Camp).
• Gov licensed holder English speaking trekking guide.
• Climbing sherpa from Island peak base camp for the summit and back to base camp.
• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
• Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
• National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
• Island Peak Climbing Permit.
• Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu including
• Airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla Airport.
• Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day.
• All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.

  Price Excluded

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
• Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
• Entrance Fees and Tour Guide for Sightseeing
• Extra Night Accommodation in case early return from mountain.
• International airfare and airport departure tax
• Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
• Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, tea , coffee, hot shower , wifi .
• Personal trekking and climbing Equipment.
• Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).

You can also hire Climbing gear in Kathmandu as it is quite expensive to buy . The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you need to  bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest, and choice. The most important fact that one should keep on mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas which is  Mentioned Below.

• pair plastic shell mountaineering boots with high altitude liners
• Pair of crampons (steel, no aluminum).
• Alpine climbing harness.
• Mountaineering an axe with leash (sized properly for your height)
• Ascender (right or left handed as appropriate)
• Belay device (Black Diamond ATC or ATC Guide are good options)
• 2 D-Shaped locking carabiners
• 2 Non-locking carabiners
• Pair expedition style gaiters (ensure fit over your boots)
• Neck gaiter

1. General

• 4 seasons Sleeping bag
• Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (We will provide one
• Daypack
• Down Jacket.

1. Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
2. Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it is place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck.

• Warm wool or synthetic hat that cover your ears.
• Balaclava – lightweight, thinner variety.
• Glacier glasses-100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cebe). This is to protect your eyes from the stronger rays of the sun due to the thinner atmosphere which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.
• Headlamp – Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don’t go cheap here. Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people (optional). A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it (optional).

1. Hand

• pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves/mitts for additional warmth.
• pair warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool).
• pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.
• Instant hand warmers are always nice in a pinch, but really shouldn’t be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate
• hand protection as recommended above, should be sufficient (optional).

1. Core Body

• T-shirts (2).
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
• Fleece jacket or pullover.
• Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
• 2 women sports bras, Synthetic, no cotton!

1. Lower Body – Legs

• 2 pairs nylon hiking shorts – Quick drying type, not cotton!
• Underwear, stay away from cotton (4).
• 2 pairs lightweight long underwear – Capilene or other synthetic.
• 1 pair soft shell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
• 2 pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
• pair hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom – this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.
• pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis).
• All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.

1. Feet

• 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or Capilene.
• 3 pairs heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks.
• 1 pair light weight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail.
• 1 pair light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Ensure a good fit with layered socks and you have worn them before to get used to it (otherwise you will get lots of blister).
• 1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.
• 1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes/boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary (Optional).
• 1 pair sandals (Optional).

1. Medicines and First Aid Kits

• Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
• Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
• Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.
• 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.

1. Miscellaneous, but Important !

• Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).
• Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave on at our office in Kathmandu just in case if you need to change the date of your).
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
• Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached. Handy as it avoids you from having to stop and look for it.
• Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its’ effectiveness over time.
• Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type.
• Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals. Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc. Bandanas.

• Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival ?

Yes, our airport representative from Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure will be there to pick you at the International airport displaying your name outside the  terminal then you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight.

• What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me ?

Island Peak is a technical peak and you need good stamina for a long day effort while climbing it. You can climb Island peak without any previous climbing experience and skills of using climbing equipment but knowledge on using equipment and previous experience would be beneficial although not mandatory because a pre-ice climbing training is provided to you in Base Camp to make you skillful on using climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness, crampons.

To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least three to four months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents.

• Do I need any prior climbing experience ?

Island Peak climbing involves trekking as well as climbing with all the expedition equipment. Though previous climbing experience certainly helps yet no prior experience is required for Island Peak climbing. However, anyone with knee, ankle, heart or lungs pre medical history needs to seek medical consent before considering Island Peak. Moreover, at Island Peak base camp our climbing Sherpa guide will organize a basic climbing training session on required climbing skills and use of climbing equipment.

• Can I obtain the visa for Nepal on arrival at the airport ?
  

Yes, you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)

• Do I need any extra documents?

Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for permits.

• What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking ?

We use standard rooms at two or three star category hotels in Kathmandu including breakfast. Along the trekking routes, Teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. it is better to always have your own sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. At times when possible, dining will be around a bonfire. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in tea houses provides basic facilities and are always outside the room.
At Island peak base camp the accommodation will be in a Tented camp

• Is it possible to swap my accommodation from mountain guesthouse to hotels in Kathmandu ?

Substituting the accommodation or swapping from mountain guest house to Kathmandu is Not possible. We only provide four nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu included in the package.In case of flight cancellation or early arrival to Kathmandu due to any sickness in the mountain or any of your own personal reason or due to bad weather and you are unable to continue the trek, you will need an extra night accommodation/s in Kathmandu. We can make these arrangements for a supplemental charge

• What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house/guesthouse ?

In higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.
During the night stay in tented camp at Island peak, our team would provide the very basic tented toilet facility.

• Where do we go to toilet along the trail?

At most cases you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.

• Do I need to bring toilet paper for the trek ?

All the guest houses sell the toilet paper so you can buy it there itself. Hand sanitizer and a towel must be brought on your own.

• What sort of food can I expect in trekking and camping ?

Most teahouses (lodges) in Island Peak trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages, you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to your destination.

At Tented camp stay while in Island Peak Base Camp, our professional cook will provide you the best veg-delights according to your advice

• What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek ?

At the lower altitude like Lukla, Phakding, Namche the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower. At higher elevation  warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower which will cost you extra about USD 3- 4 per shower. The higher you go the hot shower would be expensive.
During camping at Island Peak base camp, the shower facility is not available.

• Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking ?

During the trekking period, cash transaction is highly recommended. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains. Especially in the Everest trail, Atm would be available only in Namche and relying on it is not a better idea as you never know when things stops working. Also if you try to exchange your foreign currency there you would be getting very less exchange rates. So changing money from Kathmandu and taking Nepalese cash is a wise idea, which we too recommend.

• How much additional money do I need per day ?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. Roughly USD 25 to USD 40 per person a day will be enough to buy breakfast, lunch, dinner, bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking. Please note, higher you go the things would be expensive especially at higher altitude; all the goods are supplied either by helicopter, horse, mules or porters therefore the things are expensive

• In case of cancelled flights due to weather conditions, how do we reach Lukla from Kathmandu and vice versa ?

In case of emergency cancellation of flights due to weather condition at Lukla or in Kathmandu we recommend our clients to wait for some time for the weather to clear out. In case the weather fails to clear out and the flights are not likely to take place then in such cases we recommend to go for a helicopter charter. This facility can be provided if our clients are agreeing to pay the extra charges applicable for the heli ride. The helicopter takes 4 to 6 passengers at a time and the cost can be shared amongst the passengers. The cost must be paid by the participant, which can later be submitted for reimbursement through travel insurance company.

• How much should I pay for heli charter ?

The cost of the helicopter is payable directly to our Kathmandu office in the event that this service is utilized. US cash, or credit cards (Visa Cards, Master Cards, American Express only) are accepted. You will be given a receipt upon payment so that you may claim the amount from your travel insurance.  The extra charges incurred are approximately $2,500 to $3,000 USD per helicopter (minimum USD 500 to maximum USD 3,000 per person) would be applicable to you for the helicopter charter. Usually the helicopter takes only 4 to 6 passengers at a time. Therefore whatever the cost of helicopter is, the price is divided among the group members. Any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself.

• What is the best season for this trekking ?

Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September to December, the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December are the best time to do Island Peak Adventure.

• What is the weather & temperature like in trekking ?
  

One of the most unpredictable elements of the Everest region is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything.

• Spring – March / April / May / June

Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Everest region, although because of this, it can become somewhat crowded. One can meet many other Everest climbers during this season and base camp is full of tents. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and the many different species of flower are visible in the lower altitude.

During springtime, the average temperature is 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), with a maximum of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

• July / August Through Mid-September is Monsoon Season

This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. In areas above 4000 meters, it rains sometimes and although it is also sometimes dry, very few people travel during this season. There are positive sides of trekking during the monsoon months as the excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds.

During Monsoon, the average temperature is 22 degrees C (71.6 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

• Autumn – End of September / October / November

Similar to springtime, autumn in the Everest region is also a crowded season, but it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible views from just about every angle.

The average temperature during the fall is 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude.

• Winter- December/ January/ February

Winter start from mid December till mid February. People still like to trek in this month due to fewer crowds. View is still good but foggy so having extra days is highly recommended during this period.

The average temperature during the winter is 10 degrees C (50 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude.

• What if I am very sick in the mountain ?

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter.Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24/7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

• Can I charge my digital camera or other equipment’s on my trip ?

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your guesthouses reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the super markets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.This facility is not available in Island peak base camp.

• What is the weight limit for Lukla Flight ?

For Lukla flights you are given only 15 kgs as weight limit, which is equal to 33 Pounds; this includes both your duffel bag and daypack. So please pack and prepare wisely. If you exceed your limit additional cost of USD 2 to USD 5 Per Kgs would be applicable in the airport and this amount should be paid at the airport in airlines counter.

• Will there be a place to store items/clothing not required for while I am in mountain ?

The hotel in Kathmandu does provide the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.

• Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear ?

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc.

• Do I need to tip my guide and porters ? How much would that be ?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 50 to USD 500 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs,

• Is water provided and is there still water available at higher altitudes ? Is it filtered/boiled ?
  

Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and tea houses so you can buy bottled water at the cost of USD $ 2 at lower elevations upto USD $4 to higher elevation per littler. You can also drink the normal tap or spring water if you bring the purifying aid with you.

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