Langtang 2025 | IMT Nepal

Healing in the Himalayas:

A Trek of Discovery Into the Langtang

IMT Announces:
Healing in the Himalayas: A Trek of Discovery into the Langtang Region of Nepal

Join IMT for an extraordinary adventure of discovery into the Langtang Region of Nepal, where the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas meets the rich diversity of local flora and fungi. This trek is not just about experiencing ancient forests, breathtaking vistas and exhilarating trails; it’s a deep dive into the natural wonders that make this region so unique.

Experience the wonder of the Langtang's medicinal plants and mushrooms

With expert guidance from Nepal's foremost mycologist Shiva Devkota, Ph.D from Pokhara, Nepal, you’ll learn about the traditional uses of medicinal plants and fungi and how these natural remedies have been essential to the health and well-being of the people in this region for generations. In addition, Mayumi Fujio, a renowned fiber artist, will lead hands-on workshops where you’ll learn how to create your own botanical prints, using the natural elements of the Himalayan landscape.

The Langtang region, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas near the Nepal-Tibet border is known for its stunning landscapes, soaring peaks and forested valleys. It is home to the Buddhist Tamang people, whose rich cultural heritage provide a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of this mountainous region. This is where we will embark on our journey -- both personal and scientific--into the healing power of plants and mushrooms in the Himalayas. Langtang's diverse flora, fauna and funga are truly remarkable. The region boasts a wide array of endemic plant species, including rare medicinal herbs, vibrant wildflowers, mushrooms and many species of Rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter red panda, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan goral, black faced Langur monkeys and a wide variety of bird species.

Interactive Learning Sessions

On days when we are not trekking, we will set up workshops in picturesque tea houses ideal for botanical and fungal demonstrations, with:

Guided walks through old-growth forests, pointing out various plants and fungi, and explaining their ecological roles, traditional medicinal and nutritional uses.
Demonstrations on how to prepare herbal teas, salves, tinctures and the use of plants and mushrooms for homeopathic remedies.
Cooking Sessions where we will prepare local edible plants and mushrooms, turning your foraging efforts into a delicious meal.

Why Join This Trek?

This trek is perfect for those who wish to combine their love of nature with a passion for learning. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a novice, our experienced Sherpa guides and experts will ensure you have a memorable experience that enriches your understanding of the natural world. By joining this trek, you not only embark on a physical journey through one of the most stunning landscapes on Earth, but you also gain invaluable insights into the botanical treasures of the Himalayas. It’s an adventure that nourishes both body and mind.

This all-inclusive trek begins in Kathmandu, Nepal on July 13, 2025 and concludes on July 26. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines exploration, education, healing with the natural beauty of the Langtang region. To ensure an exclusive and personalized experience, participation on this trek will be limited to just 21 people. Secure your spot now to join us on this incredible journey through the Langtang region. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity—act quickly to reserve your place!

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

July 13, 2025

Transfer from Tribhuvan Airport to Kathmandu Guest House. Explore the sights and sounds of Thamel, one of Kathmandu's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Day 2: Tour Kathmandu

July 14, 2025

Early morning visit to Kathmandu’s holiest sites, Swayambhunath Temple. After a tour of the temple grounds with your tour guide, we will visit the Swayabmhunath Monestery for a prayer service and Puja ceremony. Return to the hotel for breakfast, and tour of historic Kathmandu. Travel to Nepal's Botanical Gardens and tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Overland Travel to Thulo Syabru

July 15, 2025

We depart Kathmandu early on Day 3 by private 4-wheel vehicle and start our Langtang journey with a long scenic drive to Dhunche (6,660 ft.). This colorful travel provides an opportunity to experience the authentic Nepal. During our 6-7 hour ride, we will stop for lunch and for rest breaks and arrive at the gateway to Langtang National Park. From here we continue on through the lush forest region to the Tamang village of Thulo Syabru and overnight (7,250 ft.).

Day 4: Exploring Thulo Syabru, Monastery and Surrounding Forest

July 16, 2025

We spend our day exploring the beautiful pastoral village of Thulo Syabru, trek around the surrounding forest and learn about the flora and fauna of this region. Thulo Syabru is predominantly inhabited by members of the Tamang community, an indigenous ethnic group in Nepal. We will have the opportunity to visit Kyachen Dorje Ghyang Monastery, engage with the local population and learn about their traditional rituals, customs and way of life. Overnight in Thulo Syabru.

Day 5: Trek to Bamboo

July 17, 2025

After breakfast, we begin our trek through lush forests to the Chopcha Khola River and to the village of Bamboo where we will spend the night. These ancient, forested regions are home to red panda, wild boar, black-faced langur monkeys and Himalayan Black Bear. After crossing the Chopcha Khola River on a suspension bridge festooned with prayer flags, we continue until Bamboo and our lodging for the night. Overnight in Bamboo (6,512 ft.).

Day 6: Trek to Lama Hotel

July 18, 2025

Our trek today takes us ascending along the trail for our destination, Lama Hotel (8,136 ft) This isn’t one hotel, but a collection of lodges and homes and our destination for two nights. This area is surrounded by lush green forests, creating a forest camp-like atmosphere.

Day 7: Exploring the Forests of Lama Hotel

July 19, 2025

The surrounding forests of Lama Hotel are rich with biodiversity, featuring oak, maple, pine, and rhododendron trees. These forests are home to rare and extraordinary plants, mushrooms and wildlife, including red panda, Himalayan black bear, and a wide array of bird species. Our resident experts, Christopher Hobbs and Nate Schwartz will demonstrate creating tinctures and plant extracts.

Day 8: Trek to Langtang Village

July 20, 2025

We start our trek before daybreak which will give us the best opportunity to view the diverse wildlife in the region. We will stop for breakfast at Riverside (9,087 ft) along the trail and continue on to Langtang Village. As we head through the beautiful forest, we get an extraordinary view of Langtang Lirung, elevation 23,734 ft, the highest peak of the Langtang Himal. We stop for lunch along the way at Ghodatabela (9,940 ft) and continue past traditional chortens, water driven prayer wheels, Mani walls to Langtang Village. Langtang Village was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake but has been rebuilt in the traditional flat-roofed Tibetan-style houses and lodges. Overnight in Langtang Village (11,253 ft).

Day 9: Trek to Kyanjin

July 21, 2025

After breakfast, we begin our trek to Kyanjin and a visit to Kyangjin Gompa, the region’s most important Buddhist monastery. Along the way, we pass prayer wheels, chortens, and Mani walls. After arriving in Kyangjin, we will have lunch and then hike above the village for spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and a visit to the world-famous Yak Cheese factory in the village. Overnight in Kyangjin (12,365 ft).

Day 10: Kyanjin – Tour Monastery and Glacier Hike

July 22, 2025

We wake early for a visit to the Kyanjin Monastery for morning prayers. We return to our lodge for breakfast. Our day today will be spent exploring the lower glacier and a hike up either Langshisa Kharka (14,190 ft.) or Tserko Ri (16,512 ft.) with extraordinary views of the surrounding peaks, Yala Peak, Lantang Ri, Lantang Lirung, and many more.

Day 11: Private Helicopter to Kathmandu

July 23, 2025

Helicopter (weather permitting) to Kathmandu from Kyanjin and transfer back to Kathmandu Guest House

Day 12: Extra Day in in Kyanjin or Kathmandu - Contingency Day

July 24, 2025

No plans for this day.

Day 13: Extra Day in Kathmandu - Contingency Day

July 25, 2025

No plans for this day.

Day 14: Depart Kathmandu for Home

July 26, 2025

Transfer from Kathmandu Guest House to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight home.

Essential Information for Participants

This information should answer many of your questions and is designed to guide you in preparing for your expedition to the Langtang region of Nepal. First and foremost, please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about your gear, training, inoculations, travel, or trekking logistics. My mobile phone number is 202-255-1191 and my email address is rsilber@imtnepal.com.

We are excited you have chosen International Mountain Trekking to experience the spectacular Langtang National Park in Nepal. On this trek, you will have the opportunity to visit traditional Tamang communities, historic Buddhist monasteries and engage directly with some of the world's foremost scientists working in the fields of herbal and fungal medicine.

The information below will address the important details and logistics of the trek.

Pre-Trip Preparation and Travel

FLIGHT INFORMATION: As soon as you have made your airline reservations, please send us your complete itinerary.

PASSPORT AND PERSONAL PHOTO: Please send Sonam Jangbu Sherpa sonam@imtnepal.com a photograph of the information page from your passport and a head and shoulders photo (no hat or glasses) taken with your phone. We will need that for your trekking permit.

TRAINING: The trek requires participants to be in excellent physical shape. Your focus while training should be on building cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, core strength, and stamina.

BAGGAGE: We recommend you use your daypack as a carry-on bag and that you check one rolling suitcase. When you arrive at the hotel in Kathmandu, we will provide you with your own IMT duffel which you will use on the trek and is yours to take home. Please bring a few items of clothing in your carry-on day pack in the event your larger bag is delayed. Don’t forget your passport, cash and the medications you require during your travel. Please take a photograph of your passport and keep it in your phone to have a record of it in the event of loss. Please check your luggage from your departing airport all the way through to Kathmandu.

EXTRA MONEY: How much additional cash to bring is an individual decision. We suggest that you have at least $800 to spend for gifts, tips for your guides and porters and any additional meals outside of the itinerary. In Kathmandu you can use your credit card for shopping and a debit card to obtain Nepali rupees. It is difficult to change money once the trek starts.

IMT’s TIP POLICY: We will collect a tip pool in U.S. currency and Euros. We ask IMT’s clients to each contribute the equivalent of $300. We will collect this tip pool in Kathmandu and distribute it at the conclusion of the trip as a thank you gift to the dedicated guides and porters who will be helping us along the way. You may also provide an additional tip to your guides, porters, and hotel personnel if you so choose.

TRAVEL AND MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE: IMT requires you to purchase medical evacuation coverage for the duration of your trek. Within 20 days of making your initial deposit to IMT, please contact the Travel Insurance Center +1-866-979-6753 and ask for Mark Reineke. Please inform Mr. Reineke you are an IMT client as he is familiar with our insurance requirements. We also encourage you to purchase trip cancellation insurance because you never know.

IMMUNIZATION: Please consult your physician or check the U.S. Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.

ALTITUDE PROTOCOL: The itinerary is carefully designed to include acclimation days in order for you to comfortably adjust to the increasing altitude on the trek. Our licensed guides are trained to recognize and treat varying forms of altitude sickness. We recommend taking Ibuprofen (600 mg 2x/day) for preventing problems with altitude,

REQUIRED MEDICATIONS: YOU SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING

Antibiotic for upper respiratory or GI problems (Zithromax Z-Pak)
Ibuprofen
Sleep-aids for the first few days of jet lag
Nifedipine (for pulmonary edema, the 30 mg time release x 2 tablets) and dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4 mg x 10 tablets) (you will probably not need this, but it's good to have it along.)

NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS WE RECOMMEND

Imodium for diarrhea
Pepto Bismol (tablets recommended)
Throat lozenges
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Lip balm
Broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more)

CLOTHING, TREKKING GEAR, EYEWEAR: Please review the clothing and trekking equipment list on IMT’s website. For some of the trek you will be above tree line. Good eyewear is important, therefore, to both protect your eyes and to enhance your visual experience of the Langtang region. There are several different brands for you to consider. For those in need of prescription sport eyewear, we recommend contacting Opticus in Lyons, Colorado (https://www.opticus.com)

to either swap out prescription lenses in your frames or to purchase frames and prescription lenses from them.

COSTS INCLUDED IN TRIP FEE:

Airport pickup
Private 4-wheel travel from Kathmandu to the Langtang.
Hotel and mountain lodge accommodations for stated itinerary
All permit fees
Guides
Porters
Helicopter flight from Langtang to Kathmandu (weather permitting)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day of the trek

COSTS NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP FEE:

Flights from home to and from Kathmandu, and travel expenses and hotels before or after the stated itinerary (we can assist you making reservations if you wish to stay longer)
Airport visas and insurance policies
Personal gear, personal items and alcoholic beverages
Tips for your guides and porters (see IMT’s Tip Policy)
Costs incurred because of delays or events beyond the control of IMT
Single room option ($460)

Entry Protocols in Nepal

NEPAL ENTRY PROTOCOL: Nepal will issue your 30-day tourist visa at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. Here are the steps you will take upon entry to the airport:

When you exit the aircraft, a bus will take you to main terminal. You will enter a line to have your passport checked.
After exiting this first line, go to the right side of the immigration room to electronically fill out a form for a 30-day tourist visa on one of several visa kiosk machines. The machines are not connected to a printer, so once you have completed the form, you must use your phone to take a photo of your completed application. You are staying at the Kathmandu Guest House Saat Ghumti Marg 16, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal Phone: +977 1-4700800. Usually, there are immigration personnel available to assist you in the application process.
When the form is completed, go to the payment counter on the other side of room. Show the official behind the counter the photo of your application. Pay €50 Euro or $50 dollars and receive a receipt for your visa payment. Present that receipt along with your passport and boarding pass to the immigration booths at the front of the room and you will pass through immigration control.
Proceed to the escalators and go down one level to the baggage claim room. Grab a cart and collect your baggage at the baggage carrousel and head down a long corridor to exit. Take the elevator to the ground floor. You will be greeted for pickup outside of the airport’s main doors. Look for your escort holding a sign with your name on it. Namaste! Welcome to Nepal!

KATHMANDU HOTEL: You will be staying at the Kathmandu Guest House. This is a beautiful, historic, and perfectly situated hotel in the Thamel neighborhood of Kathmandu. Breakfast is included. You are responsible for all incidental charges to your room, including other meals, beverages and the like, and must clear these charges before we leave the hotel to start our trek.

PREPARING YOUR GEAR FOR THE TREK: While on the trek, you will leave your extra clothing and belongings in your rolling suitcase in a locked and safe storage room at the hotel in Kathmandu, including your street/travel items that will not be needed until you return to Kathmandu. You will transfer your trekking clothes and gear to the IMT-provided duffle that you will use on the trek. The maximum weight allowed is 15 kg (33 pounds). We will meet with each of you at the hotel to make sure you have all the right clothing and gear and to make sure you are not bringing unnecessary items.

PASSPORT SECURITY AND TRAVEL: We recommend you carry a photocopy of your passport on the trek (and take a photo with your phone so you have a backup). Please make sure you have the contact information for your travel agent or airline in case you need to email or call to make any changes. You may choose to leave your passport with your luggage at the Kathmandu Guest House.

GROUND AND HELICOPTER TRAVEL: We are traveling from Kathmandu to the Langtang Region by private Toyota Land Cruiser to the village of Thulo Syabru for the start of the trek. At the conclusion of the trek, weather permitting, we will return to Kathmandu by private helicopter.

END OF THE TRIP LOGISTICS: When we return to Kathmandu, we will transport you back to the Kathmandu Guest House. We will have room reservations for you. IMT will cover the cost of your room for that last night or two. When you are ready to depart the hotel it is easy to have a taxi take you to the airport.

3) Trekking Logistics and Information

ACCLIMATIZATION AND HEALTH: We anticipate that you will not have difficulty with acclimatization. We have an itinerary and proven schedule which will enable you to acclimatize successfully. We recommend 600-800 mg Ibuprofen prophylactically 2x/day and staying well hydrated as a good overall strategy for handling the higher elevation.

Personal hygiene is important, and we recommend that before meals, you wash your hands with soap and water followed by antibacterial hand sanitizer. We also recommend bringing wet wipes which will be used in lieu of toilet paper on parts of the trek. It would not be unusual for you to get a cold or some travelers’ diarrhea at some point on the trip. The combination of travel in a developing country along with new foods, other trekkers, mountain lodges etc. will increase the risk to you contracting a minor sickness. Should this occur, the likelihood is that you will recover fully within a few days without having to take medications.

FOOD & DRINKING WATER: All meals on the trek are provided. You should bring sufficient additional snack foods and energy bars that you know you will enjoy eating for the duration of the trek. You should also consider supplementing your fluid intake with one of the many energy and endurance powders, such as those available from Hammer Nutrition. There are small grocery stores nearby the Kathmandu Guest House that sell an array of snack foods. On the trek, bottled water is available for purchase, or you can use water purification tablets or other purification methods.

MEDICAL SUPPORT: In case of any severe issues, we will call in a helicopter for evacuation to Kathmandu. It is important that you have your rescue insurance and personal health insurance information with you.

POWER AND INTERNET: All the tea-house lodges where we are staying will have solar power available for charging your phone (normally at a rate of a couple hundred rupees/hour). Internet scratch cards are sometimes available which you can use for wi-fi access with your smart phone.

14-Day All Inclusive Trek Cost of $5,600 Includes:

Kathmandu airport pick-up
3-4 nights at 4-star Kathmandu Guest House hotel with complimentary breakfast
Private tour of Swayambhunath Temple complex and Monastery
Tour of Nepal's National Botanical Gardens
IMT trekking duffle for each client
National Park fees and permits
Licensed experienced Sherpa guides
Porters
Accommodations in tea house lodges while on trek
All meals, beverages outside of Kathmandu
Visit Kyanjin Gompa Monastery with Puja Ceremony
All in-country ground travel and return by helicopter (weather permitting) to Kathmandu from Kyanjin village

Not Included In Trip Cost

Items of a personal nature (personal trekking gear, telephone calls, alcohol, laundry, etc.)
Airfare to and from Kathmandu
30-day Nepal tourist visa ($50)
Sherpa guide/porter gratuities ($300)
Non-scheduled meals and accommodations while in Kathmandu
Phone charging fees and bottled water in tea house lodges
Medical rescue insurance (required)
Single room occupancy available (additional $360)
Optional Yala Peak climb ($440)

Why choose IMT?

The answer to this question was best summarized recently by one of IMT’s clients who stated: “The IMT trek was so special and different in many ways, from other “package excursions”, primarily because of the small group size, we were able to make side trips to see and do things not actually on the itinerary, we were able to proceed at our pace—not that of the guides’ or rigid itinerary—and then got to have experiences with local people, customs, and festivals. We were invited into homes and monasteries on several occasions. Talk about off-the-beaten-path travel! The Sherpa guides and porters that work with IMT are hand-selected and have developed very close bonds with the organizer, Richard Silber.” Britt Bunyard, Ph.D, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, FUNGI Magazine.
How is IMT different from other trekking companies?

IMT is committed to promoting economic justice for our Sherpa and Nepali partners. While other western based trekking companies hire Sherpas as guides, IMT has made them our business partners. This means instead of simply paying our guides a daily wage for their work, IMT shares equally with our Sherpa team, the profits earned from every trek and climb. This commitment to the Sherpa and Nepali community sets IMT apart from every other guiding company with treks and climbs in Nepal. IMT is equally committed to creating unique and custom designed itineraries which meet your needs, schedule and expectations. During an IMT trek, you are invited into the homes of our Sherpa partners, are taken behind the scenes of Buddhist Monasteries, and join in celebrating Buddhist holidays.
Who are IMT’s guides?

All of IMT’s high-altitude guides are licensed Nepal National Guides and are also certified in first aid, altitude/mountain sickness prevention and rescue protocols. They have years of experience guiding clients throughout the Himalayas and have successfully led climbers on multiple expeditions to the summit of Mt. Everest and other notable peaks in the Himalayas.
What’s the best way to travel to Nepal?

Travel to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport (KTM) is fairly straight forward with several international carriers available such as Qatar Air; Emirates Air; Turkish Air; and Air India.
Do I need to purchase insurance?

The answer is yes. IMT requires all our clients to purchase both trip cancellation and medical evacuation coverage that includes coverage for medical evacuation, repatriation and medical expenses for the duration of your trek. Please contact the Travel Insurance Center, +1-866-979-6753 and ask for Mark Reineke as soon as you send us your application and let them know you are an IMT client as they are familiar with our insurance requirements.
What’s included in the fee for an IMT Expedition?

Kathmandu airport pick-up 3 nights at 4-star Kathmandu hotel with complimentary breakfast Kathmandu cultural and architectural city tour Tour Monasterys with Puja Ceremony Private Toyota Land Cruiser transportation from Kathmandu to the Solukhumbu or Langtang region/Summer trek Fixed wing air travel to Lukla/Spring and Fall Trek Return by helicopter to Kathmandu from Phortse village Accommodations in tea house lodges while on trek All meals, beverages outside of Kathmandu Licensed experienced Sherpa guides IMT trekking duffle for each client Porters National Park fees and permits
What is not included in the fee for an IMT Expedition?

Items of a personal nature (personal trekking gear, telephone calls, alcohol, laundry, etc.) Airfare to and from Kathmandu 30-day Nepal tourist visa ($50) Sherpa guide/porter gratuities ($300) Non-scheduled meals and accommodations while in Kathmandu Charging fees and bottled water in tea house lodges Trip cancellation insurance (required) Medical rescue/evacuation insurance (required) Single room occupancy available (additional $460) Fee for optional climb of Lobuche Peak Climbing fee and rental cost for climbing gear for optional Lobuche climb
How should I pack my bags for the trek?

We recommend you use your daypack as a carry-on bag and that you check one rolling suitcase. When you arrive at the hotel, we will provide you with your own IMT duffel which you will use on the trek and is yours to take home. Please bring a few items of clothing in your carry-on daypack in the event your larger bag is delayed. Don’t forget your passport, cash and the medications you require during your travel. Please take a photograph of your passport and save it in your phone to have a record of it in the event of loss. Please check your luggage from your departing airport all the way through to Kathmandu. Use TSA-approved locks to secure your luggage so that they can be opened, if necessary, by airport security.
What’s the best way to train for trekking in the Himalayas?

Training for trekking in the Himalayas should focus on building cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, core strength and stamina. Trekking presents a substantial physical challenge because of altitude and the more fit you are before you start, the more you will enjoy your trek. On most days, we will be walking five to seven hours, which includes time for lunch and rest breaks. One of the best ways to prepare is to simulate that activity. Start hiking or climbing any mountains, hills or stairs near where you live. Wear your hiking boots and daypack and try to find hikes with lots of ups and downs if possible. We also recommend other activities like swimming, bicycling, stair climbing and yoga. In the gym, focus on cardio and building flexibility and leg strength. During your IMT trek, the itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization, and we have a proven record of taking trekkers, both young and old, successfully to Everest Base Camp. Give yourself sufficient time to train. Have fun preparing and getting yourself fit for the trek. This will translate into an enjoyable time hiking in the greatest mountains on the planet.
What immunizations, drugs and over-the-counter medications do I need?

Immunization Checklist: Please consult your physician or check the Center for Disease Control Website at www.cdc.gov. Consistent with the current CDC guidelines, you should obtain your health care provider's recommendations about the following inoculations: COVID-19 vaccination and booster vaccination. Tetanus-Diphtheria – You should already have. Do you need a booster? Polio -You should already have. Do you need a booster? MMR -You should already have. Do you need a booster? Meningitis – Recommended. Consult your physician. Hepatitis A – Recommended. Consult your physician. Hepatitis B – Recommended. Consult your physician. Typhoid – Recommended. The tablet form, Vivotif, is good for five years. If you or your physician are uncertain, please check the Center for Disease Control Website at www.cdc.gov. Recommended medications: Antibiotic for upper respiratory problems (Zithromax Z-Pak) Antibiotic for GI problems (Cipro and/or Z-Pak) Diamox (acetazolamide) for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended, enough for a week) Sleep-aids for the first few days of jet lag Nifedipine (for pulmonary edema, the 30 mg time release x 2 tablets) and dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4 mg x 10 tablets) Recommended Non-prescription medications: Ibuprofen (600 to 800 mg daily for acclimatization) Imodium for diarrhea Pepto Bismol (tablets recommended) Throat lozenges Wet wipes and personal body wipes Hand sanitizer Lip balm Broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more)
Is there Wi-Fi and cell phone charging available on the trek?

All the tea-house lodges where we are staying have solar power available for charging your phone (normally at a rate of a couple hundred rupees/hour). Internet scratch cards are available in Namche Bazaar which you can use for wi-fi access with your smart phone. You can also purchase a SIM card and data bundle in Kathmandu which will provide you with reliable connectivity almost everywhere on the trek.
Is special clothing, eyewear and equipment needed for the trek?

All the clothing and any other gear you will need is on the clothing and trekking equipment list on IMT’s website. For much of the trek, you will be above tree line and you will be exposed to higher rates of UV light and glare. We recommend you pay attention to bringing good quality eyewear to both protect your eyes and to enhance your visual experience of the Khumbu. There are several different brands for you to consider. For those in need of prescription sport eyewear, we recommend contacting Opticus in Lyons, Colorado to either swap out prescription lenses in your frames or to purchase frames and prescription lenses from them.
How much cash should I bring?

How much additional cash to bring is an individual decision. When you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu, you will need $50 for your 30-day visitor visa fee. In addition, we will collect a tip pool of $300 in U.S. currency and distribute it at the conclusion of the trip as a thank you gift to the dedicated people who will be helping us along the way. This group will include our Sherpa guides, porters, and hotel staff. You may also provide an additional tip to your guides, porters, drivers and hotel personnel if you so choose. We suggest you have at least $500 more to spend for gifts and any additional meals outside of the itinerary. In Kathmandu you can use your credit card and a debit card to obtain Nepali rupees. It is difficult to change money once the trek starts.