Bhandar To EBC - A Slow Trek

Useful Information

1. Itinerary Disclaimer 
   The Bhandar To EBC is a 27 day slow journey to the Everest Base Camp which operates strictly to the itinerary agreed upon beforehand. The team will be booking the facilities in advance for the trip to ensure the trekkers have a comfortable journey. In the High Himalayas any situation can arise which is outside the capacity of the Mountain Ram Adventures team and can change the course of the journey during which the team will be taking decisions regarding the safety and security of the team as the first priority and request the coordination from the trekkers during these unfortunate circumstances.
   
   
2. Transportation Facilities  
   The Mountain Ram Adventures team will be arranging the transportation facilities which are mentioned above in the cost include and exclude section. The team will also be providing a complimentary Airport Pickup and Drop facility to the clients during which they will be assisted by the team members with the formalities. During the commutes arranged by the Mountain Ram Adventures any request for detours will incur in some additional charges as the routes of the journey are pre determined.
   
   
3. Safety and Security
   The first priority of the team members assigned by the Mountain Ram Adventures team will be the safety and security of the clients as the members will be accompanying the trekkers for the entirety of their trek. The route of the Bhandar to EBC trek is a well established route filled with small settlements of the local Sherpa community ensuring the safety of the journey and during any unprecedented events the guides assigned will be taking the decisions ensuring the safety of the entire team.
   
   
4. Minimum Age
   To participate in the relaxing slow trek to the Everest Base Camp there is no age restriction inorder to participate. The trekkers from all age groups can enjoy the trekking and to participate in the trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures team the trekkers below the age of 16 should be accompanied by their guardian for the journey. The trekkers will be trekking to an elevation of 5364 M so they should be physically prepared to withstand the harsh conditions of the Khumbu region.
   
   
5. Solo Trekking
   Solo trekking is prohibited within the protected areas of Nepal due to the increase in number of casualties. The solo trekkers must be accompanied by the licensed guides and porter (if necessary) for their journey to the Everest Base Camp. The Mountain Ram Adventures will be assigning experienced and capable guides and porters for the trek making the trek much more relaxed and enjoyable. 
   
   
6. Accommodation and Meals during the Trek
   The routes of the Bhnadar To EBC are well established with beautiful and cozy tea houses along the trail. The team will be providing the rooms in a twin sharing basis in the tea houses while in the Himalayas and during their stay in Kathmandu the team will be providing the trekkers with 3 star or similar accommodations. The accommodations in the Himalayas will be equipped with basic facilities for a good night sleep. The solo trekkers can request for a single room if they want but they need to inform the team before beginning the trek so they can make the necessary reservations accordingly. The single rooms are however not guaranteed in the Upper Khumbu region as during peak season it cannot be guaranteed due to the heavy flow of trekkers.
   
   While in the Himalayas the team will be responsible for three meals per day including Breakfast, Lunch and dinner (one item of the menu). The trekkers will be staying in B & B Basic whilst in Kathmandu. The trekkers are suggested to have a healthy and balanced meal to replenish their energy for their trek and also not cause an upset stomach which can lead to difficulty in trekking. The meals prepared by the Locals include culinary delights from the Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian cuisines made in a local way using various local ingredients.
   
   
7. Bhandar To EBC Trek Permits:
   Inorder to participate in the Bhandar To EBC trek the trekkers must obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit which can be obtained directly from the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. The trekkers participating with the Mountain Ram Adventures need not to worry about the permits as the representatives will be applying  and collecting the permits on behalf of the trekkers and the costs of the permits are included in the package with no additional charges required.   
   
   
8. Bhandar To EBC Trek Difficulty
   The Bhandar To Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate level trek which is filled with challenging and adventurous offbeat paths. The trek takes us to a maximum elevation of 5364 M at the Everest Base Camp at which the trekkers can feel light headedness due to the low oxygen level. The trekkers need to be both physically and mentally prepared to withstand the harsh conditions of the Himalayas as the conditions of the Himalayas can change in a few moments. The trekkers trekking with the Mountain Ram Adventures will be accompanied by skilled guides and porters who will be making the journey much more enjoyable and comfortable. The past trekking experiences also makes the journey much more comfortable but is doable for beginner trekkers as well.
   
   
9. Best Time to trek from Bhandar To EBC
   The slow and relaxing trek of Bhandar to EBC is a relaxing journey filled with the beautiful views of the High Himalayas. The journey to the EBC is doable throughout the year but due to the weather conditions the conditions get much harsher during the Winter and Summer/ Monsoon season. Trekking during the Spring and Autumn Season is much more favorable and is considered to be the best time for trekking and during these times the trekking trails of the Himalayas are filled with trekking enthusiasts and adventure lovers from all around the world.
   
   During the Spring season:
   During the spring season the condition of the trail and weather is ideal for trekking and offer some of the most sublime views of the Himalayas to the trekkers. The spring season begins swiftly after the end of the freezing winter season covering the months of March, April and May. During the spring season the weather condition is preferable and is considered to be perfect for  the adventures in the Himalayas. During the spring season the trekking routes are filled with the beautiful shades of wildflowers including the national flower of Nepal the Rhododendron which converts the trail into a mystic paradise. If planning to trek in the Himalayas during the spring season make sure to book the facilities beforehand as during this time the mainstream trekking routes can be filled with trekkers.
   
   During the Autumn Season:
   Arguably considered to be the best time for trekking in the Himalayas the Autumn season covers the month of September, October and November beginning after the Humid Summer/Monsoon season. The trekkers can enjoy the majestic views of the Himalayas without the interference of the clouds. The temperature during the Autumn season is also quite stable as the temperature decreases gradually as the sun sets. Duer to the favorable conditions for trekking the trekkers are suggested to book accommodations and other facilities well before participating in the treks as the trekking routes of the popular trekking destinations Annapurna Region, Everest Region  and Langtang Region are packed with trekkers. The trekkers planning to trek with the Mountain Ram Adventures team need not to worry as the team will be arranging the required  facilities for  the success of the trek. 
   
   During the Winter Season:
   The gruesome winter season covers the months of December to February. The weather conditions of the Himalayas during the time are punishable and can be challenging for the trekkers. Trekking during the winter season is possible  but is quite risky as the conditions are not favorable for trekking. The trekkers planning to trek through the route of the Bhandar to EBC should plan their trek during the Autumn or the  Spring season as the trekkers are more likely to enjoy the views of the Himalayas with minimum obstruction from the clouds. The temperature and conditions can fluctuate highly during the Winter Season and the trekking routes are covered with a thick layer of snow making it much more difficult to trek. Although during the winter season the vista of the High Himalayas is beautiful as a thick sheet of  snow covers the vista, trekking  during the winter season is difficult and quite dangerous.
   
   During the Summer/ Monsoon Season:
   During the Months of June ,July and August the trekkers can  experience the Summer and Monsoon season in the Himalayas at the same time. The Monsoon season is considered to be not a favorable time to trek in the Bhandar to EBC trail as the skies and Himalayas are covered by dark monsoon  clouds completely obstructing the magnificent views. During the Monsoon season the offbeat trekking trail of the Bhandar to EBC is muddy and slippery due to the constant rain and during the Monsoon season the leeches also make the trek much less appealing. The risk of Thunderstorms and landslides are also quite high during this time making it difficult for the trekkers. The trekkers planning to trek during the Monsoon season should be aware of their surroundings at  all times as the conditions of the Himalayas can change within a few minutes during the Monsoon season. The trekkers are requested to carry waterproof gear, raincoats (Poncho) and insect repellents with them for the trek mandatorily as  without the proper waterproof gears trekking during the monsoon season is impossible.     
   
   
10. Bhandar To EBC Trek Tips
    Internet: During the Bhandar to EBC Trek the trekkers will need to pay for internet which can range from anywhere around 3-5 USD by the Tea Houses. The cost of the internet is not included in the package and is counted towards the personal expenses of the trekkers. The trekkers are suggested to get a Nepali sim and purchase the data packs from the sim as it is much cheaper and can be used for the entirety of the trek. The trekkers can get the Nepali sim from Tribhuvan International Airport upon their arrival.
    
    Hot Shower: While in the High Himalayas the team highly suggest not showering while gaining altitude as if the trekkers body doesn't dry then it can cause health issues such as common cold, fever and in some cases pneumonia which requires immediate medical attention. The trekkers can however enjoy the facility of the Hot Showers in the Tea houses along the trail but the tea houses will be charging some charges for the facility which is the personal expense of the trekker and not covered by the team.
    
    Charging: The Tea Houses along the trail from Bhandra To EBC usually tend to charge a certain fee for charging per device ranging from 1-3 USD per hour as the resources are limited in the HIgh Himalayas so the trekkers are strongly suggested to carry a powerbank with them for their journey which will be lasting them for the majority of the trek.  The fee for charging the devices is not covered by the Mountain Ram Adventures Team.
    
    Luggages: While trekking the trekkers can leave their extra luggage at the Head Office of the Mountain Ram Adventures at Z-Street, Thamel who will assure the safety of the valuables of the trekkers. The trekkers can also leave their bags at the designated hotel in Thamel where they will be returning back  after completing their trek.
    
    ATMs: For the Bhandar to EBC trek the trekkers are requested to withdraw sufficient amounts for personal expenses and emergency fund from the ATMs in Kathmandu valley which will be charging a certain fee depending on the banks. The ATMs are not available in the trekking routes so the trekkers are strongly suggested to be prepared for the trip from Kathmandu.
    
    Snacks: for the trek the trekkers can carry some snacks along with them for the journey including protein bars, Granola bars, Chips and many more which will give them the extra nudge of energy while trekking.
    
    
11. Guides and Porters during the Bhandar to EBC Trek
    The Mountain Ram Adventures will be assigning guides and porters as mentioned in the cost include and exclude section above covering their insurance and salary. The team will be assigning a English Speaking Licensed guide for the journey who will be sharing their vast knowledge about the settlements, Mountains and terrain with the trekkers and also some tips for trekking along the way. The team will also be assigning porters for the journey and the number of the porters will be depending on the size of the group as one porter will be responsible for 20 KG of load (10 KG per trekker). The Mountain Ram Adventures team respects the dedication of the guides and porters and treat them as a part of the Mountain Ram Adventures family so we request the trekkers to also respect them as without their contribution expedition and trekking in the Himalayas will be near to impossible. The trekkers after completing the trek can show their appreciation towards their guides and porter by providing them with a generous amount of tips which can depend upon the satisfaction of the service provided by the team.
    
    
12. Insurance for the Trek
    As the conditions of the High Himalayas can change within a few moments and the risk of getting sickness due to the altitude is also high the trekkers need to have the insurance plan compulsorily. The insurance plan will cover the cost of the medical fees or emergency evacuation partially or fully. The insurance plan also helps the team representatives to make decisions without hesitation as it acts as a safety net. The insurance of the guides and porters are covered by the Mountain Ram Adventures team.
    
    
13. Risk during Bhanda to EBC Trek
    The main concern during the Bhandar to EBC Trek is the altitude which will be well over 5000 M at which the oxygen level is just around 50% of the sea level and also the atmospheric pressure is also low which can cause light headedness.
    
    AMS( Acute Mountain Sickness): The trekkers can suffer from various sickness related with the altitude which can cause difficulty in trekking during which the trekkers condition will be monitored by the team representatives who will try to mitigate the problem to the best of their ability and will be contacting the head office to arrange for the emergency evacuation. The trekkers need to inform their team if they feel any difficulty. The basic symptoms include Headaches, Nausea, Lack of body coordination, Dizziness, Difficulty in Breathing, Fatigue.
    Preventive measures
    1. Drink plenty of filtered water and consume nutritious balanced diet
    2. Avoid the consumption of Cigarettes, Alcohol and Caffeine products which cause dehydration.      
    3. Walk according to your own pace and listen to your body.
    4. If facing any discomforts make sure to inform your guides about it.
       
       
14. Team Contact Details
    The Mountain Ram Adventures will be available to aid the clients during various stages of the trip; the representatives will be connected with the team at the head office for the majority of the trip overseeing the overall wellbeing of the team. In order to contact the team to change the itinerary, ask any questions or for any other reasons the trekkers can  contact the team in Whatsapp or Viber where the company is registered under the number +977 9851074270. The trekkers can also contact us via mail at info@mountainramadventures.com where the team will be responding as soon as possible. Whilst in Nepal the trekkers can also contact the head office directly at +977 14701168 which will be received during the hours of 10 AM to 6 PM NPT.
    
    
15. Visa Formalities
    The trekkers need to have a valid visa of Nepal to participate in the Bhandar To EBC Trek which they can obtain without much hustle. The trekkers are to contact the Embassy of Nepal or the Consultant Office of Nepal in their own respective country or can apply from the web as well. Nepal also offers visa on arrival for the citizens of various countries at many entry points of Nepal including the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The Mountain Ram Adventures team will not be responsible for the Visa of the trekkers and if the visa of the trekkers are rejected then the refund for the trip will be done according to the Terms and Conditions of the team.
    
    
16. Laundry
    For the Bhandar to EBC Trek the trekkers are suggested to pack sufficient clothes for the journey as per the checklist of the essentials which the Mountain Ram Adventures tem will be providing for the trekkers. During the trek the trekkers are suggested to wash their clothes in the plates where they will be staying for an additional day for acclimatizations as the clothes can dry properly. The facility of laundry will be available up to the Namche Bazar so the trekkers are suggested to be prepared for the trek. The trekkers can enjoy the facility of laundry after completing their trek and returning back to Kathmandu.
    
    
17. Money Exchange
    The trekkers are suggested to  exchange their local currency to the Nepalese currency for their personal and emergency expenses for their adventure as in the High Himalayas the accommodation sites only accept the local currency. The trekkers can exchange the currency from the money exchanges around the Thael area and make sure to check the updated exchange rates to get the best possible rate of exchange. You can also request the team to assist  you to exchange the currency for you.
    
    
18. Personal expenses and Emergency fund
    The trekkers are suggested to carry the personal and emergency fund for the trek in the Nepalese currency. The trekkers can use their personal funds for snacks, facilities like charging, Hot shower and many more and to cover for the emergency situations where the trip can be extended by one or more days during which the emergency funds can be utilized. In total the trekkers are suggested to carry around 300-500 USD per person as the trekkers will be staying in the Himalayas for around 23 days.
    
    
19. Courtesy of the Tourist’s while visiting Nepal
    Namaste which translates to Greetings/ Hello is a common form of beginning a conversation and introducing oneself to others.
    While addressing someone you can use “Dai” or “Didi” which translates to brother or sister respectfully. 
    While visiting any religious monuments like stupa, temple make sure to go around them in a clockwise direction and while entering temples, monasteries, friends house make sure to take off your shoes.
    Use your right hand or both hands while receiving or giving something.
    While visiting the religious sites make sure to dress modestly and do not touch any monuments, statues without permission.
    While exploring different landmarks make sure to look for signs and boards to identify whether the tourists are allowed within the vicinity or not as there are some places having significant cultural and religious values where tourists are not permitted to enter.