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Important Information

Nepal: Kathmandu & Everest Base Camp
Reach Everest Base Camp on this gay Nepal & Himalayan adventure.
Country info

VISAS: All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal, which can be obtained from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport. Further details will be provided once your booking has been confirmed.

CULTURE SHOCK: Nepal is a developing country with infrastructure, values, customs and standards that may differ from what you have at home. Expect poor road conditions, and know that restaurants and tourist sites may be closed from time-to-time. Also, our scheduled transportation may be altered, or the itinerary changed, due to circumstances beyond our control. Having a sense of humour and being prepared to go with the flow will come in very handy on this expedition.

LOCAL LGBT SCENE: Although Nepal may seem to be a leader in the fight for LGBT rights in Asia, there is actually little here to discover in terms of organized gay life.

WEATHER: Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, and our Group Leader may need to change our itinerary accordingly. Travellers must be prepared for all weather conditions, but we do expect it to be primarily dry, with a chance of rain, and snow at higher elevations in the evenings. In the Everest Region, you can expect daytime highs around 15°C/60°F, with evening temperatures around 0°C/32°F to 5°C/41°F.

VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements, there are no other immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type C/D/M sockets. Visit http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/nepal/ for more information.

CONNECTIVITY: Our hotel in Kathmandu will have Wi-Fi access, but it’s slow. However, most cafés and restaurants offer a free connection. Our tea houses will not have Wi-Fi, but you can purchase a local SIM card, since most of the villages will have cellular reception.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please note domestic airlines in Nepal have strict luggage limits, with a maximum of 10kg for checked luggage, 5kg for hand luggage, and NO option to pay a surcharge for excess weight. However, if necessary, extra luggage can be stored at our hotel in Kathmandu. Also, due to adverse weather, flights to and from Lukla may be delayed or cancelled. If flight cancellations will gravely affect our itinerary, we may charter a helicopter charter, for which additional cost applies. If this happens, we will provide you with a support letter so you can make an insurance claim to recover the unexpected expenditure arising from conditions beyond our control (please review our Travel Insurance section below for more details).

COVID-19 Information

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travelers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

A Special Note On Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling in high altitudes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy, and a reduced appetite. It’s important that you drink plenty of water, and not overexert yourself. A comprehensive first-aid kit is carried by our support crew during treks, and senior staff are trained to prevent, detect and – if necessary – deal with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Contrary to what many say, AMS is not that common, at least not on well-paced treks. You should consult your primary physician prior to embarking on this trip to ensure you are prepared with any recommended supplements or medications. If you have recovered from Covid-19, you should discuss this trip with your physician prior to booking, and you should ensure that you are capable of hiking and sleeping at high altitude well in advance of beginning the tour.

How we travel

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Travel Insurance

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.

Your guide

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day…they’ll certainly appreciate it!

Fellow adventurers

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

Flying solo

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Optional activities

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Meals

On this tour, all breakfasts and 12 dinners are covered in the trip fees. During the hike, all of your breakfasts and dinners are taken care. For lunches we’ll stop at Tea Houses along the way and you can order off the menu.

Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated, however, you may have issues with strict diets. In such instances, we suggest bringing supplements.

Starting Point

Starting Point:
Kathmandu Guesthouse

Thamel, Kathmandu

Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

If you are checking in to the hotel under your Out Adventures reservation, a complimentary arrival transfer will be included.

Finishing Point

Dwarika’s Resort
Kathmandu

After a long week of hiking, we’ve booked a deluxe hotel to rest your weary feet. Enjoy the hotel’s incredible pool, stunning spa, signature library amongst other amenities.

Money

The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee. Credit cards are accepted at our hotel, albeit with a small surcharge. We also recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used only in the case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Tipping

If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting about $250 USD.

What to bring

Most OUT Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. On this adventure, you’ll be limited to a maximum of 10kg/22lb in total (carry-on and checked) for the domestic flight to Lukla, and the hiking portion of the trip. During this time, you can store any larger luggage at our hotel in Kathmandu.

The following packing list should be used as a guideline, not as gospel. Our Adventure Specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much, or little to bring.

Travel Documents:

  • Passport/Visas/Flight Itineraries/Travel Insurance
  • 2 Passport/Visa Photos (1 for visa, 1 for trekking permit)
  • Trip Documents
  • Credit/ATM card
  • Cash in USD in denominations of $1, $10 & $20
  • Yellow Fever vaccine certificate if travelling from a country with risk of Yellow Fever

General Personal Items:

  • Eye mask/Ear plugs
  • Alarm clock/watch
  • Camera, memory cards, Spare batteries
  • Smart device/charging cord
  • Portable battery/device charger
  • Travel plug/international adapter
  • Sunglasses with UV filter lenses
  • Suitcase/bag with luggage lock to store extra belongings at hotel in Kathmandu during the trek
  • COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (Out Adventures can not guarantee easy access to tests)

Health/Hygene:

  • Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, zinc oxide tape and small scissors, diarrhea tablets, dioralyte rehydration packs, blister pads (such as Band-aid or Dr. Scholls blister cushions)
  • Personal Medication
  • High protection sunscreen/lip balm
  • Insect repellent/bite cream/antihistamine
  • Antibacterial gel/wipes
  • Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, biodegradable shampoo, talcum powder & toilet paper (some of the basic tea houses will not provide any supplies)
  • Vaseline to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters
  • Water purification tablets as an additional precaution

Clothing:

  • 3 sweat-wicking short-sleeved shirts
  • 2 sweat-wicking long-sleeved shirts
  • Fleece sweater/jacket
  • Inexpensive Poncho
  • Light sweater/sweatshirt
  • 2 Pairs of lightweight zip-off pants
  • 2 Pair of lightweight shorts
  • 2 pairs of long-sleeved quick-dry thermal shirts
  • 2 pairs of thermal quick-dry bottoms
  • Sweat-wicking underwear (briefs over boxers provide less chafing)
  • 3 pairs heavy wool socks, 2 pairs light socks

Gear (items marked with * can be rented/purchased locally, however quality can’t be guaranteed):

  • Refillable water bottles (2 @ 1 litre/32 oz each)
  • 4-season sleeping bag rated for -9C/15F (required for approx 1/3 of basic tea houses – the rest will have proper bedding)*
  • Sleeping bag liner*
  • Medium Pack/Duffel Bag for your main gear. If your bag is not waterproof, you should have a waterproof cover (50-70 litres of capacity. Porters will carry this each day to the next lodge)*
  • Waterproof Day pack (25-35 litres of capacity) for anything you need access to during the day, like your camera, sunscreen, waterproof outer layer, first aid kit, water, hat, sunglasses, lip balm, etc. You will carry this bag*
  • Waterproof bag covers liners, or plastic bags to keep your belongings dry
  • Midweight down jacket*
  • Lightweight, waterproof jacket and pants and/or ponchos*
  • Waterproof, broken-in, sturdy walking/hiking boots with Gore-Tex or a similar waterproof membrane
  • Lightweight/compact running shoes or sandals for tea houses
  • Warm & weather resistant gloves*
  • Hat to prevent sunburn & cover neck and/or bandana/scarf
  • Warm hat for cold mornings
  • Bags for trash and laundry
  • Supplements/snacks/inter-meal energy supplements and recovery drink powder/portable electrolyte replacement tablets
  • Walking sticks/poles with spare ferules/rubber tips*
  • Head lamp with spare batteries
  • Hand/toe warmers
  • Travel Pillow for basic tea houses
  • Medium-sized towel for basic tea houses
Groups within Groups

We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

  • Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
  • Mix up walking partners on excursions
  • Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
  • Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

Physical ratings & considerations

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

  • Very little or no hiking
  • Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Low altitude
  • Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

  • Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
  • Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

  • Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
  • Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
  • Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

  • Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
  • Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
  • Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

  • Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
  • Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
  • Suitable for above average fitness level

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

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CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

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