Daytime temperatures can be warm, particularly due to the strong, direct sunlight at altitude. Expect clear mornings with clouds developing in the afternoons — hot during the day but cooling quickly once the sun goes down.

At higher elevations, overnight temperatures can drop well below freezing. Once the sun disappears you should expect temperatures of 5°C and below, so layering is essential. We send out a thorough kit list in advance to make sure you have everything you need.

All travellers to Nepal must hold a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond your expected departure date. An entry visa is required and can be obtained online in advance or on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu.

If obtaining your visa on arrival, bring the current fee in cash (US$30 for 15 days) plus passport-sized photographs, which are also required for your national park permits.

Kathmandu has a wide variety of restaurants — Italian, Indian, American and everything in between — with something to suit all tastes and dietary needs. On the trail, the national dish is Dhal Bhat, a wholesome thali-style meal of rice, lentils, fried vegetables and local chilli, served in generous portions.

Local menus in the mountains are more varied than you might expect, often featuring pasta, noodle soups and even pizza. For vegetarians, fresh vegetables are abundant and meat is rarely a default option. Gluten and lactose intolerances can be catered for — please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

The terrain varies hugely across the route. In the lower valleys you'll run through lush rhododendron forests and past waterfalls on wide, varied trails at altitudes of 700–1,000m, following glacial rivers on undulating paths. As you gain altitude the landscape opens up to high mountain plains, boulder fields and ridgelines, with peaks towering above 7,000m all around.

The trail is clearly defined throughout, passing through charming villages at every stage. Bear in mind this is Nepal — there is significant uphill travel involved, carefully staged to allow for proper acclimatisation as you go.

Our porters leave the teahouse around 05:00 each morning, carrying your soft luggage ahead to the next destination so you can set out with a light daypack. We depart after breakfast at around 08:00, when the weather is clearest and temperatures are at their most comfortable.

On average you'll be on your feet for 2–6 hours, covering 7–23km depending on the stage. We make regular stops for drinks and local facilities, with a scheduled sit-down lunch around midday. We typically arrive at our next teahouse between 14:00 and 15:00, giving time to relax, explore the village and receive an evening briefing over dinner. An early night by 20:00 keeps everyone well rested for the day ahead.

Altitude sickness needs to be taken seriously. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can develop when you are physically active at high elevation without adequate acclimatisation, and tolerance varies considerably from person to person — even very fit individuals can be affected if they ascend too quickly. Symptoms can occur as low as 2,400m, though serious effects are rare below 3,700m. At higher elevations, each breath delivers significantly less oxygen than at sea level.

We have designed this itinerary carefully to build in appropriate acclimatisation at every stage. All of our guides and local staff are trained to recognise early signs of altitude sickness, and you will receive a daily health check including pulse and oxygen saturation readings via oximeter. It is vital that you share any health concerns or symptoms with the team promptly — doing so protects both you and your fellow runners.