Frequently Asked Questions

· Route and Accommodation

What difficulties might I encounter at high altitudes?

Altitude sickness can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters) and result in headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and/or shortness of breath. If symptoms worsen and are ignored, altitude sickness is potentially life-threatening. The best way to lower the risk of getting altitude sickness is through acclimatization, which means allowing one’s body to slowly get used to the changes in air pressure at higher elevations. To minimize the risks, we ascend at a leisurely pace, carry only light-weight daypacks, spend 3 nights at Namche Bazaar (3440 m) to acclimatize, and take Diamox (acetazolamide) to prevent and reduce the aforementioned symptoms. For a fuller explanation of altitude sickness and its prevention, look at the following sites:
https://www.webmd.com/a-to- z-guides/altitude- sickness#3
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-to- high-altitudes



I am an experienced hiker but I am not that excited about carrying all my own equipment. Of course, I understand that I will need a day pack with basic layers, rain gear, food, snacks, etc. Will we be carrying the equipment ourselves (sleeping bags, extra clothes, etc.)?

No, most of our equipment will be carried by beasts of burden (Yaks), with some additional help by a Sherpa for strategic pieces of equipment such as Kosher pots if necessary. Our Sherpas are paid generously and do not carry excessive weight. You should prepare to carry essentials for a day in a daypack. Before leaving for Lukla you’ll receive a waterproof duffel bag for the rest of your gear. It’s important to note that the absolute maximum weight an individual will be allowed to bring on the flight to Lukla is 15KG, keep that in mind when packing.



I have only rarely shared accommodations with anyone other than my wife - how will the accommodations be determined? Is there the possibility of paying extra for a single supplement?

In most of the lodges, we will be staying this will be possible, however, we can’t guarantee this for all lodges as we are traveling in a busy season and are facing high occupancy rates. Hikers who are interested in single rooms will be charged an additional $150 for their registration fees.



Are we going to have free time for shopping?

Yes. You will have time to shop for hiking equipment in Katmandu and in Namche Bazaar. You can find every piece of gear you need in either town. The advantage of shopping in Kathmandu is lower prices, and the advantage of Namche Bazaar is avoiding excess weight on the flight to Lukla (don’t overdo it! The same 15KG weight restrictions apply on the flight back to Kathmandu!).



· Health, Physical Effort

I’d love to go on this trek, and see it’s rated “strenuous”. How fit do I have to be?

The trek is physically demanding and involves 6-10 hours of hiking each day. The high altitude means we have to work harder. With that, with proper preparation, anyone who is a) in good health, b) exercises regularly, and c) loves to hike – can do this trek.



What vaccinations do I need for travel in Nepal?

Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Tetanus; Typhoid. See: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nepal



What difficulties might I encounter at high altitudes?

Altitude sickness can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters) and result in a headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and/or shortness of breath. If symptoms worsen and are ignored, altitude sickness is potentially life-threatening. The best way to lower the risk of getting altitude sickness is through acclimatization, which means allowing one’s body to slowly get used to the changes in air pressure at higher elevations. To minimize the risks, we ascend at a leisurely pace, carry only light-weight daypacks, spend 3 nights at Namche Bazaar (3440m) to acclimatize, and take Diamox (acetazolamide) to prevent and reduce the aforementioned symptoms. En route in Machermo there is a healthpost manned by volunteer physicians with expertise in altitude effects, they respond to emergencies and can provide advice to hikers. For a fuller explanation of altitude sickness and its prevention, look at the following sites: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness#3 https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-to-high-altitudes



· Food Arrangements and Kashrut

Do I need to bring my own snacks?

There will be ample food during meals, but everyone should bring their own energy bars, etc. You'll be able to get hard-boiled eggs at the lodges, as well as yak cheese (yaks are kosher animals, but there's obviously no hechsher). Payment for the trek includes 3 meals a day, and hot beverages during breaks.



What kind of food are we going to eat? Is it Kosher?

We will be eating a vegetarian menu at local lodges, which aren’t Kosher themselves. The meals will usually consist of the Nepali staple of rice and lentils with a vegetable side, with a potential variety of dumplings, soups, and noodles. It’s possible to order off the menu instead of sharing the collective meal.
For those who are interested in a Kashrut arrangement, we have solutions which are adequate for the mountain situation, such as cooking in our own utensils and adding some dried food, please let us know if you’d like to hear more, we will do our best to accommodate to your needs.



· Equipment, Currency, and Visa

Do I need a visa for Nepal?

For those coming from the U.S., tourist visas may be obtained at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before traveling, but can be easily purchased upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu). We recommend bringing two passport photos to expedite the process.



What equipment will I need? Can any items be rented?

Check out our detailed recommended equipment list.



Do I need currency from Nepal or are dollars okay? What dollar denominations should I bring?

If you have a chance, change a small amount of money to Nepalese rupees. If not - don't worry, you will have an opportunity to do so in Nepal (at the airport or the hotel). The current rate is approx. 117 rupees to the dollar. Many places will take dollars (bring small denominations). In Thamel (the tourist center of Kathmandu), many stores will take credit cards. You should have at least 200$ in cash (in USD or Nepali currency) with you in the mountains, as the ATMs sometimes don’t work in Lukla and Namche Bazaar.



Will I have the opportunity to charge my Phone? Should I bring a digital camera with an extra battery to take pictures?

There is electricity at the lodges where we'll be staying, and you'll be able to charge your phone. However, after Namche Bazaar the lodges charge 3-6 USD for each item you required You might want to bring a digital camera as well. Power banks are very helpful.



Should I bring my own sleeping bag?

While it is possible to rent a bag, it’s recommended to bring your own high quality sleeping bag and liner.



Will we be able to wash our clothes at any point during the trip?

You can hand-wash your clothing any time, but only fast-drying materials will likely dry overnight as it is very cold in the mountains. There is laundry service in Namche Bazaar, so there may be a possibility of doing some laundry then.



· Registration Fee Payment and Fundraising

What is the best way to donate from the US?

While Jgive is an easy platform that works well with credit cards and supplies instant tax-deductible receipts, there is a small fee depending on the credit card. In the US for larger sums, it’s best to transfer through one of our fiscal sponsors, either PEF or NIF, as 100% will reach our account. Once received in Tevel’s account, we can have Jgive credit these funds to your online campaign profile.
For donations from Canada and the UK jgive is the best option for tax-deductible contributions.



Where can I find information about Tevel b’Tzedek and how should I present Climb for Justice to my supporters?

Once you complete your registration, you'll receive an email with a Media Kit containing all the information you need to present Climb For Justice and Tevel b'Tzedek. If you need more information please visit our website at www.tevelbtzedek.org and don't hesitate to ask for guidance!



I have never done any fundraising before and don’t even know where to start. Do you provide any help?

Don’t worry if you’ve never fundraised before. We’re with you all the way.
We've made fundraising and media kit just for you - it contains lots of practical tips, and plenty of resources to help you reach your target. From our experience, 99% of the time people are surprised by how others are inspired by their story and willing to contribute. Last year all the participants smashed their target (and they were worried just like you...)
Once you get the ball rolling it almost contiguous- people want to get involved and you’ll be surprised who ends up supporting you!



What happens if I don't reach my fundraising goal?

The idea is to set the bar high, but not be a burden. we hope you'll do your best, but nothing will happen :) Whether it's a high or small contribution, we deeply appreciate every effort to contribute to Tevel and we are committed to make every dollar work for the benefit of our cause.



How and when I pay the registration fee?

When: Payment should be made 2 months ahead of departure time- on August 28th *if you wish to pay in 2 installments or more please contact us as soon as you can at info@climbforjustice.org How: The registration fee is paid directly to the travel agency we work with in Nepal via one of the following options: 1.Bank transfer
2. Western Union
We'll send you an email with the bank account details as we get closer to the payment deadline.



· Flights

What is the best way to fly to Nepal?

In our experience, traveling from Israel to Nepal is easiest through Turkish Airlines, with a layover in Istanbul. If you are traveling from Israel, we recommend this route, and invite you to buy your ticket through our travel agent - she will match any price and give you excellent service. Feel free to consult with us on the matter.
If you are traveling from other countries you have more options for travel through the Gulf countries, which are also convenient and competitive. We do not recommend flying through India as the layovers ten to run long and a visa is required to leave the airport.



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Phone: +972-54-8131606 - Dana

Tel Aviv, Israel  tevelbtzedek.org

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