A strong level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary. You would be required to move freely on your own and able to participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and mountainous terrain, including treks. This tour is not suitable if you require a walker or wheelchair or if you have any other physical ailments that may impact your overall enjoyment.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ Return internal flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
✓ 4 nights in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu
✓ 14 nights in local teahouses during your trek
✓ Daily breakfast, 11 lunches and 11 dinners
✓ Professional trekking team with guide and porters
✓ Acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ All entry fees, national park permits and TIMS Card
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
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Welcome to Nepal! You’ll be flying into the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, the largest metropolis in Nepal and the country’s capital. You’ll be welcomed in the Nepalese traditional style by our representative, who will assist in transferring you to your boutique hotel before briefing you on your tour logistics. After settling in at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a typical Nepali dinner served in the evening.
After breakfast this morning we’ll join our guide for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. We’ll drive to Swayambhunath, a famous Buddhist stupa also known as Monkey Temple, where you can admire stunning views of the mountains and surrounding valley. Swayambhunath is among the most ancient of all the holy shrines in Nepal and attracts Buddhists and tourists from around the globe. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible from far and wide. Next on our tour today is Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is often recognised as the most famous temple for Hindus in the Indian subcontinent. After our visit to Pashupatinath we will explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Patan Durbar Square. One of the most glorious examples of traditional Nepalese architecture, this historical landmark features centuries-old temples as well an ancient royal palace. This evening is free for you to relax and prepare for the beginning of your trek tomorrow.
Today we will be taking a very scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Lukla is a small rural town that sits at an altitude of 2,845m and is the main gateway for those seeking to visit the Himalayas. Upon arrival we will meet our trekking crew, and following a short tea break we’ll begin our trek northwards up to the valley of Dudh Kosi. We’ll descend from the small plateau into the lushly forested valley where we’ll see the glacier-fed river and catch glimpses of the snow-capped mountains. The trek is a brief and easy one today. However, the difference in altitude between Lukla and Kathmandu can prove difficult to acclimatise to for some. After lunch we’ll continue trekking north along the trail, crossing several streams as we make our way towards Phakding, which sits at 2,650m. We will spend our first night in this picturesque settlement, which offers extraordinary views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
Note: flight delays in Kathmandu and Lukla
Lukla Airport is situated within a valley surrounded by high mountains. Due to this reason, landing and taking off from Lukla is considered to be difficult and technical. The weather in the Everest region is unpredictable and is likely to change every few hours, with the potential to result in flight delays or cancellation.
Today your magnificent trek continues as we begin our hike to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) through lush farmland and charming mountain settlements. We’ll follow the Dudh Kosi River northwards on a trail that takes us through otherworldly forests of rhododendron, giant fir and magnolia trees. We will then cross the west fork of the river, the Bhote Kosi, and start the steep climb towards Namche Bazaar. Namche is a Sherpa village and an important trading center. Locals from various nearby villages gather here during the weekly bazaar and sell fresh produce, as well as homemade yak cheese and butter. Here we will be warmly welcomed by locals as we settle in for the next two nights.
Today is set aside for rest, trekkin preparation and acclimatisation. Enjoy your free time in Namche, or explore the enchanting nearby villages of Thamo or Syangboche. We suggest you stay active even during this rest day so that you can prepare for the trekking that lies ahead.
Today we leave Namche to continue our trek towards Everest Base Camp. The views of the neighbouring mountain, Ama Dablam, are spectacular as it rises 6,856m from the valley below. Upon arriving at the tiny settlement of Mong La, we’ll pause for lunch at the aptly named Mountain View Lodge & Restaurant. From here you can see Phortse, the village where we will be staying tonight. After lunch it's a very steep downhill climb to the river below and then up again to reach Phortse (3,800m). Primarily a farming village, Phortse produces potatoes and buckwheat. In the trekking season many local men are employed as trekking and mountain guides, while the women stay home to look after the family, run the lodges and tend to the yaks and land.
After breakfast we continue our trek uphill out of Phortse, enjoying marvellous views looking back at the village. The path wraps around the side of a steep slope, but with sturdy stone steps built directly into the cliff face. The views looking across the Imja Khola Valley to Tengboche, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, are breaktaking. You’ll also have a clear view of the sharp slopes and jagged peaks of Thamserku Mountain (6,623m) rising from the valley behind Tengboche. Upon arrival in the beautiful village of Panboche we’ll enjoy some lunch and rest our feet. Panboche is situated high in the Himalayans, inhabited mainly by Sherpas and surrounded by fields that grow vegetables for the lodges. After our lunch we will continue on to the village of Dingboche (4,410m) where we’ll be staying for two nights for further acclimatisation. Dingboche is nestled into a small protected valley, the Chukhung Valley, surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountains.
Today is another acclimatisation day. You may use your free time to hike up the Imja Khola River to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak, a small summer settlement offering incredible views. From here you can see vistas including Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the fluted ice walls that flank the Amphu Lapcha pass. Ensure you remain active today and prepare yourself for the next leg of the journey.
The ascent towards Everest Base Camp continues today through storybook alpine meadows and summer yak pastures towards the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. With elevations of 4,900m to 7,600m, Khumbu Glacier is the highest glacier in the world. Today our trek ends at Lobuche (4,910m), a small settlement and one of the last overnight stops with lodging on the trail to Base Camp. Here the view is straight towards neighbouring Nuptse Mountain and the sunset is truly magnificent.
Today we trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m), the final stop before Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Gorak Shep was the original base camp for climbers in the 1950s before it was moved closer to the base of the mountain. The higher altitude makes this day’s trekking quite challenging. We will climb the magnificent Khumbu Glacier and cross the Changri Glacier to reach Gorak Shep. The views are truly unforgettable and bring to mind TS Eliot's famous quote, "The journey, not the destination matters". After a short break here, we will begin our final push to Everest Base Camp. Upon arrival at Base Camp, you’ll forget all about how sore you may be while you pose for photos and celebrate your incredible achievement with the rest of the group. This is truly a remarkable moment.
Our adventure is far from over! Early this morning your guides will check that everyone has acclimatised fully - if that is the case then the group will continue on towards Kala Patthar at sunrise, which at 5,550m altitude is higher still than Everest Base Camp. For many, this landmark proves the most memorable stop, offering an excellent viewpoint of the Everest region, with panoramic vistas of the front of Mount Everest and Mount Pomori. The ascent of Kala Patthar begins at Gorak Shep, and upon our return to this small settlement we will enjoy breakfast, soaking in more of the heavenly views and continuing to revel in the glow of our success. We will then be trekking back down to the village of Pheriche (4,240m), perched above the Tsola River, where we will spend the night.
Following breakfast this morning we continue our descent towards the village of Tengboche where we can explore the extraordinary monastery. Tengboche Monastery is one of the most famous in Nepal, likely due to its unrivalled backdrop of Mount Ama Dablam. After exploring the monastery, we’ll trek further downhill to Phungi Thanga Village, where we’ll enjoy our lunch. Following this we then cross an exhilarating suspension bridge and trek along trails that snake towards Namche (3,440m). We will again get to experience the gorgeous views Namche has to offer - the Dudh Koshi River rushes below us and the peaks of Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest rise in front. We’ll be surrounded by mani walls (intricately carved stone structures), chorten (stupas), and suspension bridges that dot the river. Soak it all in during our final evening of this unforgettable trek.
Today is slightly bittersweet as we begin our final descent. The landscape will gradually change and become greener and more lush. We’ll pass stunning waterfalls and glistening streams and you may find yourself slowing down to take in as much as possible. We’ll cross the vertiginous Hillary Bridge and some now-familiar villages. Today’s final trek is long and leisurely as we make our way back to Lukla where we began. Upon completion, we’ll celebrate our adventures at a local teahouse and gaze back at the jagged peaks of the mountain we’ve enjoyed. Tonight we bid adieu to our incredible trekking crew and thank them for their role in our accomplishment.
Our trek may be over, but our fantastic tour is far from complete! Today we enjoy another scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a well-deserved free afternoon. Enjoy the panoramic mountain views and spend the rest of the day as you please - sightseeing, exploring, shopping or just relaxing in Kathmandu’s numerous cafés and rooftop restaurants. We’re sure everyone will be sleeping deeply tonight back at your boutique hotel.
Today is another free day to spend at leisure, or to account for any flight cancellations out of Lukla due to bad weather. Feel free to continue exploring, shopping, sightseeing or relaxing. Perhaps you’ll head back to your favourite local café to rest your feet and reminisce with the new friends you've made on your trip.
This morning begins with a wonderful sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world. Built in the 14th century, this huge monument is said to have been created just after the passing of Buddha. Each side of the base of the stupa tower is decorated with massive pairs of eyes, representing the Buddha’s all-knowing nature. From here we will drive to Khopasi, where we get back on our feet again to trek to tonight’s accommodation, passing through scenic villages and magical countryside. After we arrive at Balthali Village the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, or to take the optional walking tour.
Today is a free day to rest or explore the nearby villages. Balthali sits at the convergence of the Roshi and Ladku rivers, and the area is a prime example of a Nepali village, surrounded by terraced rice fields and charming thatched farmhouses.
After breakfast this morning we’ll be trekking back to Khopasi where we will meet our transport and carry on to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. This exquisite ancient town is full of incredible wood, metal and stone artwork, as well as magnificent architecture. Bhaktapur is also noted as the site of well-preserved palace courtyards and towering temples. It's also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and explore.
This morning we drive back to Kathmandu for your final day in Nepal. Upon arrival enjoy free time to do as you like. Our local guide can advise you on the best shops in the area to pick up any last minute souvenirs. At the appropriate time, our airport representative will bring you to the airport for your return flight home. We hope you have had a fantastic time and will be heading home with many memories of your incredible trekking adventure.
Arrive home today.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $800 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “5”:
5 – Physically Demanding Tour: A strong level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary. The tour has been designed to include all of the major sightseeing and attractions of the country and is therefore considered fast paced, with minimal free time and some long days of travelling. You would be required to move freely on your own up and down stairs, get on and off the coach with easy, as well as being able to participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and mountainous terrain. If travelling above an altitude of 3000m, you will be required to complete a medical clearance form. This tour is not suitable if you require a walker and wheelchair or any other physical ailments that may impact your overall enjoyment. If you are interested one of these tours, we suggest calling our team to discuss your requirements so we can suggest other, more suitable tours for you.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. However, tipping is expected on all services provided by your guide/porter for this particular package and destination, given the level of effort and exertion required to assist travellers on their journey. It is suggested to $10-15 per day per couple for the guide and $6-8 per couple per day for porters. Tipping is a way of saying ‘thank you’ and showing your appreciation for good service. Tips do not form part of the wages of your guides, porters and trek crew but they are very much appreciated. Normally the tips are given at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group rather than from individuals. The level of tipping should be determined by the group as a whole with everyone contributing an equal amount that all are comfortable with.
At the end of a trek, many people also like to donate various items of their equipment to the porters and trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success. Boots, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks (clean of course) are always warmly received by the porters. Technical clothing and equipment such as head-torches and trekking poles are highly prized by the Sherpa crews. If you think you would like to donate equipment at the end of your trip, your local trip leader will make arrangements for a fair distribution among the trek crew.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only; all efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Not available.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport Information
It is the travellers' responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return to Australia.
A visa is required for entry into Nepal. For further information please click HERE.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-16 people.
Children
From 14 years if fit and able.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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