EBC April

[ebc_aussie]

:) Yo everyone! I'm looking at trekking to EBC in April. I last did this trek in 97, while at high school..!!! so, I figure things have probably changed in the area. I'm going with a few lads and planning it all myself.

A few questions for anyone who can help::p

*Flight to Lukla - Where to book? Approx. cost?

*Teahouses - In '97 I camped. I hear teahouse trekking is now a common option. Do I need to book to stay in a teahouse in advance? Generally what price per/night? Are there teahouses at all major villages where one would sleep? I assume it's sleeping bag style? Are there shower facilities?

*Porters/Sherpas - I'm against paying the 'middle man' and would rather have a local Local guide. Are porters readily available at Lukla/Namche?

*Equipment - Is there a place that hires the big warm jackets/sleeping bags?

Thanks very much to anyone who can help me out with these questions.

Cheers,

A:D xx

[Escher]

*Flight to Lukla - Where to book? Approx. cost?

It is about $192-195 USD return. Personally I just book when I get to Thamel. Hundreds of agents there, or just ask someone. It is simplicity itself.

*Teahouses - In '97 I camped. I hear teahouse trekking is now a common option. Do I need to book to stay in a teahouse in advance? Generally what price per/night? Are there teahouses at all major villages where one would sleep? I assume it's sleeping bag style? Are there shower facilities?

No booking required. Just find one you like that has room. A double room will be something like 100-300nrps depending on altitude and location. There'll be two simple beds that you chuck your sleeping bag on. They make money on the food though so always eat where you are staying. Lunch/Dinner/one night or Dinner/Breakfast/one night will be something like 600-1500nrps, again depending on location and altitude. I would budget $15-20USD per person per day and you'll have everything you need. There are loads of lodges to choose from and they are just about everywhere. Less so as you get higher but there are still plenty. If you call a bucket of hot (but mostly luke warm) in a small shed "shower facilities" then yes. Otherwise getting a bowl of hot water in a lodge is the way to go. Or being smelly and unclean!

*Porters/Sherpas - I'm against paying the 'middle man' and would rather have a local Local guide. Are porters readily available at Lukla/Namche?

Yes. Ask at any lodge and they'll find porters for you. It might be better to arrange a guide from a recommendation beforehand as they will probably travel with you from Kathmandu. Ask on here for recommendations if that is the way you want to go. I don't normally take one myself. Many of the usual suspects on this site can give you excellent recommendations.

*Equipment - Is there a place that hires the big warm jackets/sleeping bags?

Plenty of places in Kathmandu. If you stay in Thamel you'll fall over all the gear shops, just go and ask. Quality varies. Check down gear for weight and quantity of feathers as opposed to down in them. About a dollar a day for a bag or jacket.

Try posting in one of the other forums more relevant to your questions, more people might see your queries. This forum is for route notes.

All the best.

Escher

[ELMER6]

greetings,
I'm also looking to do EBC in april, when were your dates etc, can I join you??
I'm 38 from Oz as well, 5th time to nepal. let me know

[Escher]

I suspect they have already been in April 2006 or 2007 as they posted in 2006!

[Per]

:)
*Teahouses - In '97 I camped. I hear teahouse trekking is now a common option. Do I need to book to stay in a teahouse in advance? Generally what price per/night? Are there teahouses at all major villages where one would sleep? I assume it's sleeping bag style? Are there shower facilities?



Prices start at a dollar or two. There will be bedding, but it is generally nice to have your own sleeping bag. Amenities vary. If there are no showers you can take consolation in that then probably no one else has taken a shower and smells just as bad.

By the way, there are tea houses all the way. There was already in 1972 when I hiked to Khumbu the first time.



*Porters/Sherpas Are porters readily available at Lukla/Namche?



Yes.



*Equipment - Is there a place that hires the big warm jackets/sleeping bags?

Yes, there are plenty in Kathmandu.

[Suginami]

There were teahouses all the way round the Annapurna trek in 82 certainly no need for any tents although a friend of mine brought his own.

The population was considerably less then. Much less deforestation. My first trek was in October and it was very crowded but there were mostly dormitory rooms them which was fine and just one big room near the fire.

I am surprised that in 72 there were already teahouses but it makes sense given the character of so many of the various peoples in the mountains who run fine businesses.

[Per]

I am surprised that in 72 there were already teahouses but it makes sense given the character of so many of the various peoples in the mountains who run fine businesses.

Some of them were only holes in the wall. Dal bhat tended to cost four rupees, tea was eight annas, sleeping was free. Generally, you got a straw mat to put your sleeping bag on.

There have been bhattis for ages along the major trails. Back in 72 they were mainly catering to Nepalese on some trails, though trekking was growing rapidly. Up in Khumbu prices were higher. Then, as now, the best lodges were on the Jomosom trek.