home about us reviews videos travel tips travel services eco shop ezine blog contact us

Everest trekking holiday

country:Nepal
location:Everest region
trip type:High altitude, strenuous trekking holidays
departures:Up to four departures a month on Sundays from September to May
price:From £730 - £799 (13 days) including domestic flights only, as per itinerary. For additional £4 you can offset your carbon emissions. We can arrange flights from the UK
 
the amazing things you'll be doing
The Everest region has arguably the most dramatic scenery in the world and with flights making the area easily accessible, it is possible to reach the heart of the mountains within a few days.

This introductory trek, staying in comfortable lodges, offers sensational mountain views and an insight into the lives of the local Sherpa people.

We spend two days Kathmandu, relaxing and enjoying the mystical shrines and temples of this magical city before flying to Lukla, the starting point of our trek.

For the first two days we trek slowly to aid acclimatization and head north up the Dudh Kosi Valley.

Our route takes us through beautiful tracts of pine and rhododendron forest, with the peaks of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru soaring above the trail. It is a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar (3446m), the capital of the famous Khumbu Sherpas, where we are again rewarded with spectacular mountain vistas. We allow a rest day here to acclimatize and there are options of taking short walks towards Thami Valley and the nearby national park museum.

From Namche we follow the trail to the famous Thyangboche Monastery, located high on a ridge where we are greeted by a magnificent 360-degree panorama of the Himalayan giants. The views of Everest, the Lhotse-Nuptse Wall, Ama Dablam and Kantega dominate this peaceful and spiritual location - surely one of the most tranquil and inspiring places in the world. Our return journey from Thyangboche takes us through the picturesque villages of Khumjung and Kunde and back to the airstrip at Lukla where, after a final celebration, we say goodbye to our Sherpa crew. The following day we fly back to Kathmandu, where we have time to relax, shop or sample the delights of some of the many excellent local restaurants.

For nearly 30 years we have led the field in adventure travel because of our: level of destination expertise; locally born and raised tour leaders; small groups; innovative itineraries that include both the iconic sights and off-the-beaten-track highlights; and responsible tourism practices. Your adventure begins here!
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. 
Day 2:Morning sightseeing to Pashupatinath and Bodhnath; afternoon free. 
Day 3:Fly to Lukla and commence trek, walking along the Dudh Kosi river valley. 
Day 4-5:Continue walking along river, then climb to the Sherpa captial, Namche Bazaar. 
Day 6:Acclimatisation day. Optional walks along the beautiful Imja Kola Valley. Veiws of Everest. 
Day 7:Trek to Thyangboche Monastery. In fine weather, huge views of Ama Dablam, Kantega, Everest, Lhotse and Nupste. 
Day 8-10:Trek to Lukla, via Kumjung and Kunde. Possible visit to Hillary Hospital. 
Day 11-12:Fly to Kathmandu. Free day to explore. 
Day 13:Trip ends in Kathmandu this morning. 
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.





how this holiday makes a difference
This operator has had a long association with Nepal, having operated their first trek there in 1977 and has since been setting the benchmark for tour leader training and waste reduction practices. Trek the mighty Himalaya and experience this epic adventure with the help of their local tour leaders and porters, who are proud to take you through this amazing part of the world that they live in. By walking in the Everest region and visiting secluded and remote villages en route, travellers are made aware of the importance to preserve the area so that it can be appreciated by future generations.

Since they led their first group through the Khumbu Valley, many changes have taken place in Nepal. Before the current infrastructure of lodges, most trekking companies used to camp along the main route to Everest. In the early 1990s this operator was one of the first companies to switch to lodges for their trekking program. Kerosene stoves are provided to minimise the need for burning firewood and, over the years, this company has developed a number of lodges throughout the region. Not only is lodge trekking the most sensible and comfortable way of undertaking the trek, it also directly supports the local community as the owners receive direct payment for food and lodging.

To support tourism programs in Nepal, this operator is training their local staff on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides them with important life skills. By employing porters born and bred in the region, they are supporting the local economy. Through offering employment and steady revenue, tourism can ultimately make a real positive difference to local communities. This company provides additional porters to remove rubbish. All tins, bottles and plastics are carried back and disposed of thoughtfully. Not only can participants enjoy the magnificent scenery of the stunning Everest range, they can also rest assured the trip is operated to the highest environmental standards. They are also a member of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), a body formed to protect porters from mistreatment by unprofessional trekking operators or private trekkers. All trekking staff are fully equipped with proper clothing, boots and trekking equipment. They are fully insured and are given medical assistance and helicopter evacuation, if required. In terms of safety they treat their clients and staff equally.

On treks that venture beyond habitation, they are one of very few companies that provide their porters with all their meals, tented accommodation, sleeping bags and insulated mats. They are a member of K.E.E.P. (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), a supporter of the Nangi Secondary School in the Annapurna region and they have also worked closely with the Red Cross in Nepal, with monies raised by us and our clients, to aid victims of monsoon floods and landslides.

Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people.

We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel.

'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've lead the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays.

We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism.

This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards.

Convert currencies