If you need information that you do not find on our website, please contact us at (585) 721-7958 or 5427 Palmyra Road, Pittsford, NY 14534 or e-mail us.

What type of trips are offered?

We offer both pre-scheduled and custom adventure trips. Our trips range from a few days touring to month long back country expeditions, for both the novice traveler as well as the experienced. We explore the Himalayas, by foot, bicycle, 4-wheel drive, bus, train, horseback, and raft (or maybe all of these?).

How do I know what each trip is really like?

This web site should provide an idea of each trip we offer and maybe even give you an idea for one we didn't think of! We recommend you read each itinerary and the "trekking" section of the Travel Info. page. If you still have questions, please call us at (716) 317-4969 (toll free 1-877-865-0940) or email us at info@earthboundexp.com  . We would be happy to discuss any of our adventure trips or a custom trip!

Who goes on EBE trips?

Generally, our travellers love the excitement and beauty of the outdoors and exotic peoples. They are from all walks of life, with the common desire to have a new experience in a part of the world renowned for its splendor. Our trips attract similar numbers of both men and women, although our member's ages vary tremendously, often depending of the level of activity, duration, and price of the trip.

What is your group size?

Our groups are small, from individuals to no more than 15 people. Our trips average between 4-12 people. Our minimum group size varies by trip, but is usually 4 people. We have found that small groups do not impact the local people and ecosystems nearly as much as larger (more profitable) groups. The unobtrusive nature of small groups also allows for more personal interaction with local people resulting in a meaningful exchange of ideas and cultures.

What if I'm travelling alone? Should I join a group?

That is entirely up to you! Because we run custom trips, we can accommodate anything you want to do. About half of our group trip members are travelling alone, so if you join a group you will not be alone in that choice. We also have people travelling with friends, spouses, and family. If you want to travel alone, let us know and we will arrange for a personal trip. Either way travelling with us is a safe, convenient way to explore the Himalayas.

What about children? Do I have to leave them at home?

No! We have a number of trips great for family travel. Some of our trips are restricted by age (generally any trip with a difficulty of 3 or above, although this is not always the case), but even these can often accommodate children if they are mature/fit enough. The youngest recommended age is 8 years for any of our trips. All children must be accompanied by an adult family member. Call ((585) 721-7958) or email  us if you have a question about a particular trip.

Who leads your trips?

All of our guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the regions you will visit and skilled in their field (mountaineering, rafting, biking, etc.). We carefully screen and train all our guides to be sure that they are the best out there. Unlike other companies, that essentially hire out a local company to run the trip for them, we were founded in the Himalaya and are Nepalese/USA owned. We use our native knowledge of our homelands to find the best staff and expert guides. These local peoples are enthusiastic, encouraging, and have intimate knowledge of the regions we will be travelling to. Our western guides all have extensive experience in the trip's region, as well as medical and/or scientific training. Himalaya

What are the food and accommodations like?

While in hotels and teahouses, we will dine in local restaurants with a wide variety of available foods, from local to western dishes. While camping we eat very well, with fresh multi-coarse meals prepared by our exceptional cooks. All of our cooks have years of experience with western cuisine as well as making some of the best local dishes you are likely to find. Western trip members are always shocked by our cooks' skill ("after one especially tiring day hiking we arrived to camp to the smell of chocolate cake, manna from heaven, and amazingly cooked over a camp stove"). We can't guarantee chocolate cake every night but we can guarantee the food will be as fresh and pleasurable as possible. At high elevation we will eat a mixture of freeze dried and fresh foods.  All of our water is boiled or filtered. We accommodate special dietary requests (vegetarian, allergies, etc.). While camping we will be sleeping in tents. The hotels we stay in are all comfortable and clean.

What do I need to bring?

Often, all you need to bring is you own personal gear. We will send you a gear and clothing recommendations list with your confirmation trip packet. Some of the larger items you will need to bring for camping or trekking are a sleeping bag, large duffel bag, day pack, and decent boots/hiking shoes. For nonspecialized trips, we provide almost everything else from tents to cooking gear. Climbing trips will require more specialized personal gear for which you be responsible.

Is Air fare included?

Our prices are for land costs only, including flights on the itinerary that occur during the coarse of the planned trip, but excluding any pre/post-trip flights international or domestic. Our experienced staff can assist you with your airline arrangements. We can also help with any additional plans for before or after the trip (additional hotel nights, rental vehicles, train tickets, etc.). Air fare from the USA to Kathmandu (most of our tours originate from Kathmandu) changes price regularly, but is generally between $1200 and $1500 USD. Give us a call before booking your flight, we can often offer cheap air fare because we buy up blocks of tickets.

What do your trip "difficulty" ratings mean?

Our trips are rated according to a number of factors like level of required fitness, altitude, ease of terrain, level of special skills like climbing/rafting experience, etc. The scale is from an easy (1) to a very difficult (5). Every trip has an associated difficulty rating which you need to consider before booking the trip. We are happy to help you evaluate which trips are right for you. We can also help with recommendations for conditioning to prepare for the trip.

Easy - difficulty 1.  No strenuous activity. You should be in good health and fit enough for full days of normal sightseeing and walking.

Moderate - difficulty 2.  Full days of walking or hiking on easy terrain. Hiking portion is not extended, trip usually has porter and/or vehicle support. May include moderate altitude but only with plenty of adjustment time. You should exercise regularly for at least 2 months prior to the trip.

Vigorous - difficulty 3.  Prolonged hiking on easy to difficult terrain. May include high altitude, but only with plenty of adjustment time. Porter support for difficult terrain, but may involve carrying your own gear. Follow the guidelines for moderate trips, but be prepared for some strenuous or extended days (more miles).

Strenuous- difficulty 4.  Prolonged hiking on moderate to difficult terrain. May include high altitude, rugged terrain, carrying your own gear, and otherwise challenging conditions.  Some previous experience may be required. You should be in excellent physical condition. We require either a physicians release or previous experience, to be decided by our staff during booking.

Skilled- difficulty 5.  Follow the guidelines for difficult trips, but with previous experience and proficiency required. These are trips with professional level rafting, climbing, mountaineering, etc.

Do I need travel insurance?

In order to guard against unforeseen circumstances that may arise, we recommend that you acquire travel insurance. Most travel insurance companies offer Trip Cost Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, emergency medical transport and medical expenses insurance. These pay for loss due to any unforeseen circumstances such as death, injury, illness, or trip cancellation. We urge you to purchase this insurance. While we do everything possible to ensure the safety of our members, if any of the above do happen it can be very costly to you. Purchasing travel insurance is an easy way to ease the mind and to know that you will be able to deal with problems that may arise. We can recommend Insurance companies, just call ((585) 721-7958) or email us (info@earthboundexp.com).

Copyright - Earthbound Expeditions, USA, 2007. All Rights Reserved