The “Everest Escapade” started and ended in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Air? We flew United, Chicago to Bangkok, and then Thai Air from Bangkok to Kathmandu. Tip: If you fly Thai Air from Bangkok, ask for a seat on the right side of the plane for the best views (if it’s a clear day). There are many other ways you can go including the India to Kathmandu route. And an infinite number of airlines flying internationally, but only a few making the internal flight into Kathmandu. These flights are always booked and overbooked. Also, you have to connect somewhere in Asia to get to Nepal….

Visas? Must have a Nepalese visa. Don’t need a Thai visa. How to obtain one? Could use a visa service like Zierer, contact the Nepal Consulate and handle via mail or do it the easy way (for us)…get the visa upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. Always doublecheck — Visa requirements are constantly changing.

Travel Insurance? Mountain Travel included an Emergency Evacuation and Medical Protection Plan on this trip, but we always buy cancellation insurance…just in case.

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Health? I always check the Centers for Disease Control updates to see what they suggest. No Malaria pills for this trip. Tetanus booster (we keep ours up-to-date religiously), and Hep A for inoculations. Bring your personal “drugs of choice.” Boiled or bottled water would be available throughout but we also bring iodine tablets for emergency situations. Other than the usual cautions about not eating off streets, the food would be pretty safe and sanitary conditions are usually excellent on treks.

Nepal 1986 – why we wanted to go back
Equipment? We needed to bring a sleeping bag, (a sleeping pad would be provided but also brought our own pads for extra comfort), day pack, hiking poles (our 3rd and 4th legs), flashlights, toilet paper, plastic water bottles — the usual camping/trekking equipment.

Clothing? Lots of warm layers were recommended. Long underwear, Goretex jacket, fleece, hats, gloves, hiking boots…it was going to be cold.

What was included?

- Hotel Malla in Kathmandu

- Ground Transportation

- Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily while camping; breakfast only at the hotel

- Group camping equipments (tents, etc.)

- Airport transfers

- Guides, porters, sightseeing as noted in the itinerary

Internal Air was not included – an additional $220 cost.

We also built in an extra day (at Mountain Travel’s advice) in case the all-important Lukla flights were cancelled or delayed. Since the STOL airstrip is on top of a short plateau surrounded by the Himalayas, Royal Nepal Airlines doesn’t fly during bad weather or poor visibility.

Psyched and ready to see Mt. Everest!