Common Questions

When does the trip take place?  Back to top

The trip will take place from 1 - 11 November 2012. 

What do I have to do to take part?  Back to top

Simply pay a £350 registration fee and return this with a completed application form.|

You will then need to raise a minimum of £3,400, of which £1,100 must be received by Macmillan Cancer Support four months prior to departure. The outstanding amount must be with us within one month of the event taking place. 

What sort of person takes part?  Back to top

The group will be made up of around 50 people, both men and women, from all backgrounds, abilities and ages, although you must be 18 or over to take part. Whilst some take part with friends, most people come on their own, so it's a great way of meeting new people. You will find that the group quickly bond and support each other throughout the challenge.

Where will we stay while hiking? Back to top

While hiking we will be camping in two man tents, staying at basic campsites with few facilities. 

Do I have to carry my own kit?  Back to top

Throughout the trek we will be accompanied by porters who will carry all our equipment and supplies. You will carry a day pack to hold any equipment you might need during the day. 

Am I fit enough? Back to top

Macmillan challenges are designed to suit people of average fitness. However, if you do not already walk on a regular basis you will need to commit to a considerable amount of training during the preceding months. A full training programme will be included in your fundraising pack. 

Do I have to meet any medical requirements?  Back to top

Everyone on the challenge is required to complete a medical form that must be signed by your GP. Medical forms will be provided in your fundraising packs and individual surgeries may charge for this service. 

How does Macmillan benefit?  Back to top

At least 65% of the £3,400 minimum sponsorship will be treated as a donation to Macmillan. If you raise over £3,400 the entire surplus will benefit the charity. 

What if I can't raise the minimum sponsorship? Back to top

We will provide you with a fundraising pack full of ideas on how to reach your target. You will also have the support of the Challenge Team and our extensive network of Macmillan fundraisers throughout the UK. 

However, if you do not manage to raise £1,100 four months prior to departure you will have the choice of making up the shortfall yourself or transferring to a later challenge, and thereby giving yourself longer to fundraise. 

What will the weather be like? Back to top

The weather in November is generally dry and sunny with tempertures reaching 23ºC during the day. The nights can be cold (min 5ºC) especially as we trek higher into the mountains. 

What is included? Back to top

• Return flight: London to Kathmandu to London. 
• Accommodation: Five nights rough camping, four nights in 2-3* hotels. 
• All food other than three meals. 
• All camping equipment other than a sleeping bag and sleeping mat. 
• Full support with local guides, cooks, porters, Discover Adventure leaders and doctors. 
• Macmillan Cancer Support representative. 

What is not included?  Back to top

• Insurance: Our tour operator, Discover Adventure, offer insurance specifically created to cover you for the activity you will be undertaking. 
• Visa: Costing approximately US$25 and available on arival at Kathmandu
• Celebration meal, plus two other meals. 
• We also recommend around £150 - £200 for personal expenses. 

What else do I need?  Back to top

A valid ten-year passport is essential and should be valid for at least six months after departure from Nepal. There are visa requirements for UK citizens, which can be obtained for US$25 at the airport upon entry in Kathmandu. We recommend you consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations.

What is the hiking like? Back to top

• Each participant will need to carry a day pack for items needed during the day: water, sunscreen, camera, waterproofs etc. 
• Trekking time varies from 3-9 hours per day. 
• The terrain is very varied as the route passes through valleys, forest and bare mountain slopes above the tree line. 
• Paths on the whole are good but are very steep in places and with many steps to walk both up and down. 
• Terrain can be slippery in wet conditions. 
• Although we do not trek higher than 2850m, some people may find they experience shortness of breath due to the altitude. 
• The challenge will be tough at times but the spectacular scenery, team spirit, and sense of achievement will make your efforts feel very worthwhile.

Can I extend my stay in Nepal? Back to top

Yes. If you’d like to stay out in Nepal after the challenge our tour operator, Discover Adventure, will be happy to organise this for you. An administrative fee of £75 applies. 

Who organises the trip? Back to top

This trip is conceived and operated by Discover Adventure Ltd, ATOL 5636, whose booking conditions apply. If you have any more questions, please call the Challenge Team on 020 7840 7887 or email us at hiking@macmillan.org.uk|

Can I offset my carbon footprint? Back to top

One of the key determining criteria Macmillan looks for when selecting a tour operator to organise our events is a demonstrable appreciation of environmental concerns. Our tour operator Discover Adventure has links with Climate Care, a service that enables participants to neutralise the carbon emissions caused by taking long-haul flights.