2011 Prices & Dates
Prices:
Trek Only: $3,295 USD (Double Occupancy)
Deposit: $700 USD
Single Supplement: $225 USD
With Either Climb: $3,895 (Double Occupancy)
Deposit: $1000 USD
Single Supplement: $225 USD
Dates:
Trek Only: April 12 - May 2
With Mt. Lobuche: April 12 - May 3
With Island Peak: April 12 - May 6
Trek Only: October 18 - November 7
With Mt. Lobuche: October 18 - November 8
With Island Peak: October 18 - November 11
Money & Expenses
With regards to personal expenses while in Nepal, American Dollars are the preferred method of payment. Cash, or cash in conjunction with a small amount of travelers checks is another good option. Kathmandu also has over 20 ATM machines, and many travelers simply withdraw money as needed. With regards to which type of money, and how much—please bring what you are comfortable with, and the list below should help.
Please call your bank and credit card companies and let them know that you will be in Nepal so that they won’t freeze your account when you use your card. Credit Cards are accepted only at larger hotels. Smaller places do often accept credit cards, but charge a fee. We will work with you closely in Nepal to change money to Nepalese rupees for the trek and for use in Kathmandu.
- Traveling Money: Most trekkers change a few hundred dollars in Nepal before departing on the trek. This is for bottled drinks, tips, purchases made along the trek and shopping—though many people do the majority of their shopping in Kathmandu. Trekkers may bring additional cash for expenses and emergencies.
- Tipping: Is always entirely up to you, and most trekkers generally tip $125 total to the Sherpa staff (We usually have about 8 staff assisting with the trek including kitchen crews and porters). In Kathmandu restaurants, tip 10% (if service charge is not already on the bill).
- Drinks: We provide boiled water throughout the trek. Some people prefer or supplement this with bottled water which runs from $1- $3/ bottle along the trekking route. Note: you will need 4 bottles a day per person. Many hot and cold drinks such as tea, tang, cocoa, coffee and juice are provided as part of the trek.
SHOPPING
Bartering is expected from street vendors in Nepal. A good rule of thumb is to start with roughly 1/2 of the cost and work out a deal from there. It is important to respect the vendor in this process—if you offer a price and the vendor agrees to it, you should always buy the item. Most vendors in Nepal will not accept US dollars, or will give you a poor exchange rate.
THIEVERY
Although the locals are warm and friendly people, poverty and therefore thievery, is a problem. Always keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings. When with other people, watch out for each other. Large crowds are prime locations for pick-pocketing to occur. Keep your money in a money belt or hidden pouch that you wear around your neck and under your shirt. When purchasing items, do not pull out lots of money. We advise that you leave all valuable jewelry, including fancy watches, at home. Thieves often work in pairs or groups - one tries to distract you (i.e.: by squirting food on your clothing) and in your ensuing confusion, another one makes off with your belongings.
- pricing details
